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USC vs ASU Report Card 2016: Grading the Trojan Offense
USC vs ASU was a coming-out party for the Trojan offense, finally reaching their potential with 41 points and standout performers at every position.
The Trojans made the most of their return to the Coliseum, routing ASU 41-20 in front of the home fans.
It was a much needed win, one which puts USC back on track in their pursuit of the Pac-12 South division title.
With the offense firing on all cylinders, it was also the type of performance which could launch the Trojans on a significant rebound after a disappointing September.
Here’s how each offensive unit graded out against the Sun Devils:
Quarterback
Standout, Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold was outstanding against the Sun Devils, tossing three touchdowns and racking up 352 yards on 69 percent passing.
The redshirt freshman handled pressure from ASU well, escaping from the pocket while still delivering strikes on the run. He threw the ball away when needed, hit long passes accurately and never panicked. Even when botched fleaflicker slipped from his grasp, he picked it up and completed a 40-yard bomb.
Running Back
Standout, Justin Davis
Justin Davis was the star of the show for USC at running back.
On the Trojans second drive he broke a 49-yard run with a juke to get outside, setting up USC’s first touchdown of the game. He later set up the Trojans’ second touchdown with two catches for 38 yards, including a tight-rope walk down the sideline which was initially called a score but reversed on review. USC’s third TD was all his, bursting 37 yards down the sideline to signal the rout was on.
Ronald Jones II remains a periphory figure in USC’s offense, but on just five carries he was efficient with 20 yards. Aca’Cedric Ware covered mop up duty.
Receiver
Standout, JuJu Smith-Schuster
It was a big night for USC’s receivers, particularly JuJu Smith-Schuster and Deontay Burnett.
Smith-Schuster led all receivers with seven catches for 123 yards and three touchdowns. The first two were short grabs, one of which saw ASU leave the junior receiver wide open. The third displayed all the attributes which made Smith-Schuster an NFL prospect as he broke free from one defender then cut across the field, speeding through the defense for the 67-yard touchdown.
Burnett made an impact from the slot, hauling in seven passes of his own, including a 40-yard catch on the botched fleaflicker. His catch total and 93 yards were career-highs.
Freshman receiver Michael Pittman helped spring Davis on his first long run with a key block, then added two catches for 21 yards later in the game.
Steven Mitchell, Darreus Rogers and tight end Tyler Petite also contributed with catches resulting in first downs.
Offensive Line
Standout, Chuma Edoga
Losing starting right tackle Zach Banner to an ankle injury would have been reason for the Trojan offensive line to drop down a level, but no such thing happened. Jordan Simmons and Chuma Edoga rotated in at right tackle in place of Banner and USC’s offensive line picked up where they left off after a strong performance against Utah.
Darnold’s jersey was kept clean as the Trojans gave up no sacks. The line cleared the way for 157 yards rushing with a 4.8 yard per carry average.
A personal foul on Simmons just before the third quarter ended was the only spot on the first team o-line.
Coaching
Standout, Tee Martin
The Trojans knew they needed to put up points against an ASU team which has made a habit of winning shootouts. And they did just that, putting up 41 on the night.
Gone were the backbreaking penalties and bone-headed mistakes. There were no turnovers. There was just production.
More from Reign of Troy
Facing a vulnerable ASU pass defense, the Trojans threw to set up the run. It worked, resulting in a balanced offense capable of moving the ball in a variety of ways.
Still, as always seems to be the case with USC, there were some headscratching decisions.
The Trojans got too cute with playcalling at times, dialing up a sweep for Steven Mitchell on the first play which was immediately sniffed out. The fleaflicker ultimately worked out but seemed an unneccesary risk.
Most glaring was the decision to go for it on fourth down from USC’s own 42-yard line. Still early, there was no need to take such a risk, especially after the Trojans were stuffed on third and short.
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