Five things we learned in USC’s victory over California

USC defeated California, 27-21, on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. Here are five things we learned in the Trojans’ victory.

Cody Kessler gets the job done

The spotlight has been on California quarterback Jared Goff this season as NFL hype builds around him.

But Cody Kessler’s steady play helped lead USC to victory.

Kessler completed 18 of 22 passes for 186 yards and connected with nine different receivers.

He has defeated Goff three consecutive seasons.

Goff completed 23 of 32 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown.

Turnovers forced by the defense

USC’s defense has looked impressive in its last two games and has played more consistently.

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California quarterback Jared Goff gets set to pass while under pressure from USC linebacker Anthony Sarao in the second half.

  (Eric Risberg / Associated Press)

2/8

Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler hands the ball to running back Ronald Jones II on a scoring play against California at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Oct. 31.

  (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

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USC running back Ronald Jones II breaks into the clear against California on a 13-yard scoring run in the first half.

  (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

4/8

USC receiver Deontay Burnett makes a reception against California defensive back Damariay Drew in the first half Saturday.

  (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

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Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler scrambles from the pressure of California defensive end Kyle Kragen in the first half.

  (Eric Risberg / Associated Press)

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Trojans running back Ronald Jones II breaks into the Golden Bears secondary in the first half.

  (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

7/8

California receiver Bryce Treggs scores against USC on a six-yard pass in the first half.

  (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

8/8

Quarterback Jared Goff and California will take on Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.

  (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

Adoree’ Jackson intercepted the first pass of his career and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown.

Kevon Seymour also made his first interception of the season and returned it 27 yards.

USC has six interceptions in its last two games.

Jalen Greene is a playmaker

Redshirt freshman Jalen Greene switched from quarterback to receiver in training camp and has made the most of both skill sets.

Greene completed a 34-yard pass to freshman Deontay Burnett in the second quarter to set up a touchdown. Greene also made a 15-yard reception.

He has completed three of four passes for 127 yards and a touchdown this season and has caught 10 passes for 104 yards.

Offensive line makes it work

USC must play the rest of the season without starting center Max Tuerk and backup Toa Lobendahn because of knee injuries.

Third-year sophomore Khaliel Rodgers made his first start at center, and though several of his snaps in the shotgun formation were low, his effort was sufficient. He made an impressive block that allowed Ronald Jones II to rush for a touchdown.

Chad Wheeler returned to left tackle after he was sidelined last week because of a concussion, and Zach Banner moved to right tackle.

USC was able to rush for 185 yards. Kessler threw for 220 yards.

Physical football returns

Interim Coach Clay Helton said he showed his team media reports that stated they weren’t a physical football team.

California took a quick 7-0 lead before USC went on a 24-point run.

The defense swarmed to make tackles and forced two turnovers.

Even the offense looked tough as it converted on fourth-and-goal and ran for two first downs in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

A hard-fought defeat at Notre Dame, a physical victory over Utah and a tough win against California proved that USC is playing a better brand of football.

Helton might need to find new motivation.

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