Written by Sarah Bergstrom, USC blog contributor
Looking at the box score from USC's 35-7 victory over Boston College on Saturday, the Trojans have found their offense. The numbers impress on the page: 21 first downs, 521 total yards of offense, and a total time of possession of 36:36. It was the most offense generated since the Trojans lost to Oregon last season, and in Saturday's four quarters alone, USC almost reached the total yards of offense accumulated in its first two games combined (557).
On the season, the Trojans have 130 rushing attempts, the most in three consecutive games during a season since 2008. With 257 yards rushing on 43 attempts against Boston College, the running game is clearly the focal point for the new physical offensive identity.
On the season, the Trojans have 130 rushing attempts, the most in three consecutive games during a season since 2008. With 257 yards rushing on 43 attempts against Boston College, the running game is clearly the focal point for the new physical offensive identity.
In the absence of expected starter Silas Redd, redshirt sophomore Tre Madden and true freshman Justin Davis have led the rushing attack. At only 17-years-old, Davis is already making a name for himself within this Trojan offense, scoring his first touchdown in the Coliseum on Saturday and growing in confidence with every carry. Against Boston College, the running back had 10 carries for 96 yards, including an impressive 39-yard run at the end of the third quarter followed by his touchdown. In the first two games of the season, Davis had 16 carries for 92 yards and one touchdown.
Davis was a member of this year's early entrant class, beginning his classes at USC in the spring semester to get a jump on learning the playbook and adapting to the differences of college football. Even with the change in speed, playbook, and intensity, Davis remains an instinctive runner, explaining that when the ball is placed in his hands he stops thinking and just runs.
"Justin still has a lot to learn at the running back position but he has a natural ability there," said running backs coach Tommie Robinson. "The kid is growing every day. Our offensive line is really good for Justin because they're creating some really good holes which he needs as he develops."
"Justin still has a lot to learn at the running back position but he has a natural ability there," said running backs coach Tommie Robinson. "The kid is growing every day. Our offensive line is really good for Justin because they're creating some really good holes which he needs as he develops."
Due to sanctions and injuries, depth is something the Trojans lack at most positions across the field, but three games into the season, that's not the case at running back. Even with Silas Redd and D.J. Morgan, the veterans at the position, still recovering from injury, USC is strong in the backfield starting with Tre Madden who is the first Trojan to open the season with three straight 100-yard games in 32 years.
"We are really trying to make them respect our running game so we can open up things in the passing game," said Davis. "We've got to make it easier on the quarterback. We are working really hard in practice and it's showing up on the field."
Having only played in three college football games and with his 18th birthday still two months away, experience is the biggest thing Davis lacks.
"Every rep in a real game is very, very valuable," said the freshman running back. "In practice, we try to simulate it but it's not as real as a game. Getting reps, I'm really getting adjusting to the speed and I'm getting better every day. Each carry I'm getting the slower the game feels and the easier I can make a read."
When Redd and Morgan return, the competition for carries will be fierce. The playing field has been leveled between freshmen and seniors as Madden and Davis have seized their opportunities.
"People always say I'm young but I try not to let that set me back," said Davis. "I'm on a college football team and I can't look at my age. I put that in the way back of my mind and I just go play football. Whatever I can do to help the team I'm going to do that. I'm getting stronger every day and I'm loving it."
