Five things we learned in USC’s 17-12 defeat by Washington
Washington’s Elijah Qualls plays low to the ground and is surprisingly stout at the point of attack, which hints he should be able to take on double teams in the NFL. He bench pressed 225 pounds 33 times, which indicates t1hat he has outstanding strength.
Washington defeated USC, ranked 17th in the AP Poll, 17-12 on Thursday at the Coliseum. Here are five things we learned in the Trojans’ defeat.
Underdog defeats
USC struggles against underdog opponents.
The Trojans were favored to defeat Stanford, but instead fell, 41-31, to the Cardinal in a conference opener at the Coliseum last month.
USC was an 18-point favorite against Washington, but suffered a 17-12 defeat.
Last season, USC was favored to win against Boston College and Arizona State, but was upset in both games.
Identity crisis
Who is USC?
Throw out landslide victories against Arkansas State and Idaho of the Sun Belt Conference to start the season.
USC’s defense was nonexistent in a defeat by Stanford.
The Trojans’ offense, defense and special teams dominated Arizona State.
But the offense couldn’t move the ball against Washington.
There is talent and potential in all three phases, but we don’t know who USC wants to be.
Offense stumbles
USC had the top-rated offense in the Pac-12 Conference, but it sputtered — mightily.
Quarterback Cody Kessler couldn’t find a rhythm and was under duress the entire game.
Kessler completed 16 of 29 passes for 156 yards, with two interceptions.
In the opening drive, he was sacked and threw an interception.
The offense was just 1 of 13 in third-down situations.
Kessler was sacked five times.
Tailbacks take off
USC’s offense couldn’t get anywhere in the air, which makes one wonder why it didn’t continue on the ground.
Tre Madden rushed for 120 yards in 17 carries, and Ronald Jones II rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown in eight carries.
The Huskies didn’t appear to be able to stop either Madden or Jones — but USC’s play-calling did.
Penalties continue
USC has a penalty problem, which we’ve become familiar with through three conference games.
The Trojans committed eight penalties for 62 yards against the Huskies.
USC had 10 penalties for 91 yards in a victory over Arizona State and eight penalties for 87 yards in a defeat by Stanford.
This season, USC has committed 35 penalties — 11 more than its opponents.
Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.
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