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Self-Inflicted WoundsUSC had the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Oregon's high-powered offense, but the Trojans made too many mistakes, including 12 penalties for 124 yards. "We had enough penalties for about 10 ball games to be honest with you," said interim head coach Clay Helton. "We really shot ourselves in the foot." The Trojans racked up 424 yards, but the offense was two steps forward, one step back. "It's plain and simple. We beat ourselves," said junior RB Justin Davis. "We were in some really good situations and penalties just killed us." Outside of penalties, USC also missed some big plays in the pass game. "We had some opportunities on some deep ball shots, and we just didn't hook up or we had a breakdown in protection," said Helton. "I am going to look back at that tape and be absolutely sick at the opportunities that were out there."
Mount Vernon
On the other side of the ball, Oregon QB Vernon Adams repeatedly torched the Trojans' defense, using his legs to buy time for his arm. "He broke contain and kept the ball alive just like we've seen on tape," said Helton about Adams. "He keeps his eyes downfield. There's only so long that you can cover those guys. They are great athletes." Adams threw six touchdown passes, a record for a USC opponent, amassing 407 passing yards. "Vernon Adams' ability to extend plays with his feet and get the ball out, I think that's what really hurt us," said LB Olajuwon Tucker.
Game Changed in a Snap
While USC buried itself in a 38-14 third quarter hole, the Trojans fought back to score 14 straight points and close within 10 to start the fourth quarter. Plus, they had the football and the perfect play dialed up. "I really feel like we had the momentum right then and there. And gosh almighty, JuJu [Smith-Schuster] ran an incredible route, absolutely killed the safety," recalled Helton. "Just had a little bit of a low left snap that Cody had to handle and get back up and try to find him. I would like to have that one back. That will be one that haunts me a little later tonight." While Kessler eventually gathered the snap, he fumbled the ball away on the ensuing scramble, leading to a back-breaking Oregon touchdown one play later.
Dancing Davis
In terms of a silver lining, Justin Davis put together a memorable effort, running for a career-high 141 yards on 16 carries (8.8 per rush). He has thrived in a two-back system, splitting time with freshman RB Ronald Jones II (14 carries for 56 yards and a TD). "The more you get the ball in your hands, the better rhythm you get into," explained Davis. "Rhythm is so important because I can see the flow of the defense and it allows me to get a better sync with the offensive line."
The New Guy
While the defense suffered several coverage breakdowns and at least one crucial miscommunication, Olajuwon Tucker showed what he can do at inside linebacker, starting in place of the injured Cam Smith. Tucker led the team with 9 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. He admitted communication was "kind of a big issue for us," but overall, he was pleased to be able demonstrate his skills on the big stage. Tucker was not alone in making plays, particularly in the second half. Freshman Porter Gustin tallied 1.5 sacks, while senior Anthony Sarao added a sack as well.
Pac-12 South Championship Game
As bad as USC felt walking off the field in Eugene, the Trojans were comforted to know that they still control their own destiny in the Pac-12. Thanks to UCLA's win at Utah, the Crosstown Showdown at the Coliseum will serve as a de facto Pac-12 South championship game. "We have an opportunity to go be champions. That's immortal. That's leaving a legacy for our [seniors]," said Helton. "They are going to get every ounce of effort from myself and this coaching staff to go win a big ball game." The USC-UCLA winner will advance to the Pac-12 Championship Game in Santa Clara on December 5. "[UCLA is] the one that everybody really, really wants to win," said Davis. "I know our guys will be ready this week. We all know what's at stake."
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