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A Crowd PleaserOn one incomplete pass, the black cloud that had been covering the Trojans dissipated. At the advice of USC's president, Lane Kiffin went deep on the first play of the game which drew a prolonged standing ovation from the student section and Coliseum faithful. "That was Max Nikias's idea this week," said Kiffin about the bomb pass. "He said, 'I'm going to tell you something young boy. You throw it deep, and even if it is incomplete, they'll cheer for you.' That was Max's play." While the crowd was smaller than usual, the fans that showed up colored the day with positive energy, and inspired a dominant Trojan victory. "I was just happy for all the Trojan fans and the players that they could have a good day, and just take a breath," said Kiffin. "It was good to see, and it was a fun day."
Fresh Start
Finally anointed the official USC starting quarterback, Cody Kessler took control of the offense completing 15 of 17 passes for 237 yards and 2 TDs. "Boy did he play lights out. What a great day for him," said Kiffin. Kessler spread the ball around to all the offensive weapons, and never forced it into traffic. The only two incompletions were near misses to Lee down the field. "There was a whole new confidence this week, and I think it really showed in the offense," said Kessler (pictured). "It was a lot more aggressive [game plan]."
"A Physical Team"
At the end of last season, Lane Kiffin determined that the Trojans were too soft, especially defensively, and changes needed to be made. Kiffin brought in Clancy Pendergast whose attacking 5-2 defense has annihilated the first three opponents, and he changed the physicality of practices. "It was a commitment to making sure we were a physical team," said Kiffin. "This team played today like we set out to fix in January." USC's defense held BC's Andre Williams, the nation's fourth leading rusher coming into the game, to 38 yards, and the Trojans made eight tackles-for-loss.
Smash, Dash and Flash
While the offensive playbook opened a bit today, the Trojans still ran the ball 43 times to only 19 passes, but the play-action game was effective thanks to Tre Madden (16 carries for 102 yards and a TD) laying the groundwork. "The ability to run the ball, not just today but in the previous weeks, setup the passing game," said Kiffin about the play-action attack. Madden's power style is also the perfect complement to Justin Davis (pictured), who closed the show with a pair of big runs (10 rushes for 96 yards and a TD). "That's the motto we have to have. The next fresh back has to come in and keep wearing them down. Once they get worn down, we can run right by them," said Davis.Impenetrable
BC came in with an impressive offensive trio at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, but the Eagles could barely move the football until the USC backups subbed into the game in the 4th quarter. Even after some late drives, BC managed just 184 total yards on the game. "We're just getting started," warned freshman safety Su'a Cravens, who had six tackles and a forced fumble. Through three games, the defense has carried the offense, which is now looking to return the favor. "We have to play for them," said Kessler. "We have to put points on the board to help them out."
Lee in a Footrace
Going into the game, USC's passing game had not made a big play the entire season. Finally, Marqise Lee was able to change that by breaking free for an 80-yard catch and run touchdown. Lee caught the ball and turned down the Trojan sideline when his head coach took off and sprinted with the All-American for as long as he could. "I was just so excited for that kid, " said Kiffin about Lee. "I'm usually pretty reserved, but I really couldn't hold myself in because I was so excited for these guys. What they have been through in the last seven days has been hell. To have them have some success, I just felt so good for them."
Two-point conversion...
Wittek's Drive
Max Wittek played almost the entire fourth quarter including leading the Trojans on a TD drive which he capped by running it in for six. "He had been through a lot this week," said Kiffin. "I just wanted him to feel good."
Penalty Problem
What was the only real problem today? "Penalties," Kiffin said. The Trojans were flagged 10 times for 100 yards. "It felt like 100 penalties. We had really fixed that for awhile now, and then today had some bad ones." While he wants to play cleaner, Kiffin did acknowledge that many were "aggressive penalties," which are a byproduct of the team's new physicality.
(Photos by John McGillen)
Here are the offensive highlights as the Trojans moved to 2-1 on the season:
