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Click here for the post-game press conference.
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Hard Truths
The Trojans were dealt a major setback by a Stanford offense which had its way for most of the night. The Cardinal controlled the clock (+18:58 in time of possession) by using a balanced attack (279 yards passing and 195 yards rushing) and converting efficiently on third down (8/12) and the red zone (5 TDs and a FG in 6 possessions). "They wanted it more than us, and they just executed," said senior LB Anthony Sarao. "We didn't get it done."In a Rush
Stanford QB Kevin Hogan controlled this contest with his arm (18/23 for 279 yards and 2 TDs) and legs (45 yards gained without the three sacks). While the Trojans tried several blitz pressures, they were never able to create a consistent pass rush. To make matters worse, they lost the integrity of their rush lanes to allow for a few key escapes. "Unfortunately, we had some chances, and we just missed them," said head coach Steve Sarkisian about his pass rush. "We lost containment at some other times when he used his legs to create big plays."
Not All Bad
Particularly on offense, USC had some standout performances led by QB Cody Kessler (25/32 for 272 yards and 3 TDs) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (8 catches for 153 yards and 1 TD). "I'm proud of a lot of the things that we did," said Sarkisian. "Obviously, JuJu was unbelievable with his effort." Defensively, Su'a Cravens showed up time and again with a team-high 13 tackles, including a sack.
Paid the Penalty
The offense would have really been dominant if not for some killer penalties, which Sarkisian called "uncharacteristic" of his team. "There definitely could've been more explosive plays," said WR Steven Mitchell Jr., who had two touchdowns. "Offensively, the penalties really hurt us." USC was flagged 8 times for 87 yards, including a holding penalty which called back Adoree' Jackson's kickoff return for a touchdown.
1st Before 3rd
Early in the week, Sarkisian made it clear to his team and the media that limiting Stanford on first down was the key to taking the Cardinal out of its grind it out game plan, but that simply did not happen often enough tonight. "We knew going in how important first down wins would be," Sarkisian reiterated after the game. "Everybody looks at the third down numbers, but to be really effective at third down, you have to win on 1st and 10."
Hop Off the Mat
While the sting of the season's first loss always hurts, the Trojans have been here before and displayed tremendous resilience. "Right now in the locker room, our head is fine," said Sarao. "We've got to get back up. Trojans don't lay down. We'll never lay down." Sarkisian echoed the captain, saying, "You've got to be able to get back up. This is a humbling sport." And now USC heads to Arizona State, which dealt the Trojans their most crushing defeat last season. "We've got to get past this loss and go into Arizona State with a positive mindset," Mitchell Jr. said. "Play for our brothers."
Here are the game highlights:
