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Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) dives forward against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
USC vs Arizona featured a pair of mobile quarterbacks getting the most out of their legs, but the Trojans got the better end of the bargain in the end.
In the sweltering heat of Tucson, USC continued their hot streak in October by blowing out Arizona on their own turf.
The Trojans made the most of four turnovers, including a fumble and an interception in the first half to capitalize and build their early lead.
With a comfortable margin established, Clay Helton’s squad didn’t look back.
Here’s a look at who stood out in the 48-14 victory for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:
Who were the studs?
JuJu Smith-Schuster:
Had his personal foul for taunting ended the final Trojan drive of the second half, he might have worked himself onto the duds list, but JuJu Smith-Schuster wasted no time making up for it.
Shortly after the 15-yard penalty, Smith-Schuster turned a curl route into a tight-rope run down the sidelines, barreling through a wall of defenders near the goal line to stretch his arm across for the touchdown.
The junior wide out finished the game with nine catches, 132 yards and three touchdowns. Those are season highs in all categories.
Sam Darnold:
The Trojan quarterback wasn’t at his best against Arizona, which should have future USC opponents concerned because Sam Darnold was still a force to be reckoned with. Darnold had his fifth touchdown pass of the day before the third quarter was even half way through, utilizing his strong arm and improvisational mobility to find receivers in the endzone.
It’s that improvisation that really earns the quarterback his stud status. Of his six rushes, Darnold converted five first downs, including several third-and-long successes.
Chris Hawkins:
Arizona’s offense had a dangerous look to them early, with quarterback Kalil Tate using his legs to gash the Trojan defense. Safety Chris Hawkins made him pay for his running on the Wildcat’s second drive, forcing a fumble on a long burst up the middle by putting his helmet on the football with textbook form.
That play helped set up USC’s third touchdown of the day while Hawkins continued to impact the game with five tackles to lead all Trojans.
The Running Backs:
Without Justin Davis available, USC turned to back up running backs Ronald Jones II and Aca’Cedric Ware to carry the load. Jones didn’t manage to break one long but still had an efficient 77 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. Meanwhile Aca’Cedric Ware eclipsed the 100-yard mark and scored a 37-yard touchdown late in the game.
Not to be left out, Dominic Davis took his opportunity in the fourth quarter by breaking off an 89 yard scamper.
Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) fumbles after being hit by USC Trojans defensive back Chris Hawkins (4) during the first half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Who were the duds?
Porter Gustin:
The Trojan Predator had a difficult job against Arizona, trying to keep Khalil Tate corralled. Facing just an elusive quarterback, Gustin’s troubles containing the edge are understandable but still problematic. Tate’s 72 rushing yards on the day largely came at the expense of Gustin. Athletic though he may be, the sophomore’s angles need to improve if the Trojans want to keep mobile quarterbacks at bay in the future.
The Long Ball:
Sam Darnold’s exceptional outing did involve one glaring deficiency — the long ball. The Trojan quarterback attempted long throws to a variety of receivers, and even tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe, but couldn’t quite hit the mark. The most glaring of those was to De’Quan Hampton who had broken free from his defender up the sideline. Thankfully, USC didn’t need those throws this week anyways and Darnold did adjust well enough to hit JuJu Smith-Schuster for a 46-yard touchdown in the second half.
Khalil Tate:
It was a difficult situation for Tate, starting thanks to injuries to Anu Solomon and Brian Dawkins. And to be fair, the true freshman did cause USC problems with his legs, rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
However, the Wildcat QB was ineffective as a passer, going 1-for-7 with just four passing yards in the first half. He finished with 58 yards through the air before being replaced in the second half by tight-end-turned-quarterback Matt Morin.
More from Reign of Troy
Discipline:
If last week’s two-penalty performance felt like a fluke, USC’s ability to draw the flag in Tucson confirmed it.
Arizona’s first scoring drive was aided heavily by Trojan penalties. In fact, the Wildcats enjoyed five first downs courtesy of yellow flags.
All told, USC had eight penalties for 89 yards. It didn’t affect the outcome of the game, but personal foul calls against Damien Mama and Smith-Schuster, as well as the obligatory Iman Marshall pass interference call of the day, were proof that the Trojans have quite sorted out the discipline issue.
Of course, it’s doubtful Rich Rodriguez was pleased with his Wildcats in that department, as a personal foul penalty wiped out a two-point PAT return.
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