Click here for the recap and final stats.
Click here for the post-game press conference.
Turnover TalkAll week long, the Trojans were peppered with questions about their growing turnover problem, and they responded by posting a season-best +4 in turnover margin. "We came out strong defensively and attacked the young quarterback," said CB Iman Marshall, who had one of USC's two interceptions. "We tried to get as many turnovers as possible, and we came up with four, which is a big day defensively for us." S Chris Hawkins created a key fumble early in the game to set up a score, and the Trojans also picked up an interception from Ajene Harris and a fumble recovery by freshman Connor Murphy.
Safe with Sam
Offensively, USC played a clean game, starting with redshirt freshman QB Sam Darnold who said that he thought about ball security on every play. "You love guys that love to be coached. There was a huge emphasis on ball security and it started with the quarterback," said Helton about Darnold. It certainly did not hamper Darnold's playmaking ability as he completed 20/32 for 235 yards and 5 TDs plus 54 rush yards. "He's almost too good to be true," Helton praised.
Bully Ball
The veteran USC offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, creating huge holes for a committee of young tailbacks en route to the biggest rushing day of the season. "I really challenged not only the backs - to be next man up - but I challenged the offensive line," said Helton. "They owned the field today." The offensive line was boosted by the return of All-Pac-12 RT Zach Banner. "We felt like, if we're going to win this game, we need to do it up front," said Banner. "We needed to pound the ball. We did just that and we had a good time." USC racked up 320 yards on the ground led by sophomore RB Aca'Cedric Ware, who had a career-high 103 yards and a touchdown.
Lights Out
The USC defense put together another complete performance, creating four turnovers and stuffing the Wildcats on a goal line stand. Helton gave "credit [to] the secondary" which limited Arizona freshman QB Khalil Tate to 7/18 passing and only 58 yards. Marshall explained that the game plan was to "put pressure on [Tate] and make him beat us with his arm. When he tried to do that, we made him pay."
Playmakers on the Mend
Once again, Darnold distributed the ball well as nine different receivers made catches. Junior WR JuJu Smith-Schuster paced the pack, hauling in nine receptions for 132 yards and 3 TDs. However, late in the game, he went down with a painful lower back injury after taking a helmet to the area. The good news is that the x-rays were negative. Unfortunately, Helton has major concerns about Steven Mitchell's knee which will require an MRI tomorrow before a prognosis can be made.
On to the Next
Helton pushed his team to take care of business on the road, and the Trojans rewarded him with a dominant showing. Now, USC has won three consecutive games going into its bye week. Despite being back above .500 at 4-3 on the season, the Trojans must maintain their sense of urgency. "We've got to keep on," said Helton. "We need to have this week off to get some injuries healed up and get ready for a good Cal team." USC will take on the Bears at the Coliseum on Thursday, October 27.
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Here are all the highlights from the blowout victory:
