- Last things first, the Trojans played their best game of the season tonight. Yes, the defense continues to struggle, but the effort and intensity level reached new 2010 heights. In Pete Carroll's first year (2001), USC lost back-to-back heartbreakers on last second field goals to Oregon and Washington. At 2-5, those Trojans streaked through the end of the season and notched a bowl berth. Without the carrot of postseason play, this squad still needs to build from disappointment and reach its potential.
- A star was born tonight. Robert Woods' 12 catches were not a USC freshman record (Mike Williams had 13 in a game). His 224 yards receiving fall short of R. Jay Soward's single-game record (260 receiving yards). But, he did tie the freshman record with his hat trick of TD catches. From day one, Woods seemed special. Tonight, he proved it. "I just did what I could," Woods said in the locker room. "I had a great performance. Matt Barkley threw some great balls and we had some great connections."
- Chris Galippo was at the center of the highest and lowest defensive moments of the night. Down six points and in desperate need of a play, he forced a fumble, which set up the go-ahead score. In fact, he played so well for 59 minutes that he earned the middle backer spot for the final defensive stand. And then, he committed the personal foul penalty that used up the Trojans final drops of resolve. The junior played hard until the whistle, which (according to him) never came. "I swear there was no whistle," Galippo said after the game. "Shane [Horton] held him up and I went to finish him off. I knew it was going to be an inches game."
- As for the striped shirts, you might have a better idea than me (no replays of controversial plays at Stanford Stadium) about the fairness of the proceedings. Lane Kiffin felt most aggrieved by the non pass interference call on Robert Woods near the end of the first half, but the Trojans battled the 12th man for most of the night, including having to challenge to earn the Galippo fumble. "There were some questionable calls and penalties, but that's out of our control," Matt Barkley said.
- We focused on 3rd down defense in our keys to the game Friday and it proved to be a telling story. The Cardinal converted on 6/8 3rd down chances. Considering all the depth issues, USC has got to find a way to get off the field when they have opportunities. "We need to get better on 3rd downs," Shane Horton said of the defense's most pressing issue. "That's kind of been the theme all year."
- Stanford's physicality was the theme of the week, but the Trojans answered them blow for blow. However, unlike the first five games, the Cardinal took a toll on USC's reserves. Malcolm Smith sprained his knee. Dillon Baxter left on crutches. Nick Perry continues to limp around. Considering the strength of the conference, Monte Kiffin's defense will need big performances from back-up players like Shane Horton (team leading 9 tackles) to survive.
- Andrew Luck is the real deal. He showed the entire arsenal tonight. He was accurate (20/24), mobile (48 rush yards gained) and athletic (clocked Shareece Wright after a fumble recovery). The Trojan defense was unable to take anything away from the Cardinal tonight thanks to Luck's poise and versatility. Stanford rushed for 193 yards and passed for 285. While they are not devoid of talent, Luck turns average into exceptional.
- On the other side, Stanford was able to limit USC's power running attack, which put the onus squarely on #7. Barkley answered with his best game as a Trojan. He completed 28 of 45 passes for 390 yards plus 3 TDs and no INTs. He was sacked just once, while scrambling for two long gains. For 60 minutes, neither quarterback blinked. Luck just had the ball last.
- Are the Trojans coming down from a great era or are they building towards another one? "We're not on our way down, it's just inches away from being great," Barkley answered. A smiling Woods responded even more succinctly, "The Trojans, we're back. We are coming back."
- Lane Kiffin's post-game message was positive. The coaching staff was proud of the enormous effort put forth by a depleted and banged up roster. However, the locker room mood was somber. Barkley took it especially hard, but he delivered a great leadership message to sum up the night...
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