Click here for the recap and final stats.
Complete GameThe Trojans dominated all three phases of the game, putting together their most complete performance of the season. "Just an absolute, full team effort," said head coach Clay Helton. "Every aspect of the game, people made plays." Offensively, USC racked up 400 yards on Washington's defense, which only yields 330 on average. And defensively, the Trojans held the Huskies to 17 yards rushing. "Big men win the game," said Helton. "On both sides of the ball, our big men are really excelling these last six weeks." And when the team needed it most, special teams shifted the momentum by blocking a field goal.
The Real Deal
Over this six-game win streak, the USC defense has done a masterful job of taking away its opponent's strength. "We knew we had to stop the run all week. I think that was the key to winning the game because when you stop the run, they have to go to the pass game and then we are able to get after the quarterback," said OLB Porter Gustin, who had two sacks. The Trojans forced two turnovers, both interceptions by Adoree' Jackson, to go along with three sacks and six tackles-for-loss. "We talked all week about penetration and playing in their backfield, and the kids did," said Helton.
National Star
Going into the game, Washington QB Jake Browning was the Heisman candidate. In the end, USC QB Sam Darnold looked like a future winner. The redshirt freshman shined brightly on the big stage, completing 22/33 for 287 yards (the most by an opposing QB against UW all season) and 2 TD. "Sam comes in here and plays with the poise he always has," said Helton. "A special night and a special quarterback."
Playmakers
However, Darnold did not do it alone. USC's skill players stepped up to make some tremendous catches under pressure, highlighted by a breakout performance from TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe. The redshirt freshman displayed impressive body control, reeling in 5 receptions for 78 yards and a TD. "For me, it's mostly mental," Imatorbhebhe said about making the tough catch. "I love my teammates, so when the ball is in the air, I think about how I have to do this for my squad, my teammates, my brothers, and so I do whatever I can to catch it." Senior WR Darreus Rogers specializes in the spectacular, and he caught a team-leading six balls for 84 yards and a TD. "If it's in my radius, I'm going to get it," said Rogers about his powerful hands.
The Turning Point
The Trojans were in control most of the game, but literally and figuratively slipped up in the third quarter. The Huskies were primed to take the lead in the after untimely falls by Adoree' Jackson and Rogers led to a touchdown and an interception, respectively. Instead, the USC defense forced a field goal attempt which was blocked by Rasheem Green. "It was an unbelievable shot of momentum that it gave our team," said Helton about the special teams' play of the game. "You knew it was going to go back and forth. We had preached it all week. Just keep on doing your job." From there, the Trojans finished the game on a 9-0 run.
Remember This Day
If this game was a litmus test for the state of the program under Helton, the future looks bright. "We do it for the coaches," said Rogers. "We believe in them and we come to work for them every day. I'm proud of these guys and I love them." The Trojans have once again proven their resilience after a trying start to the season had the many fans and most media predicting doom and gloom. "They are getting better with each and every week," said Helton. "When you think about these kids, they have been through everything. They have been through adversity."
Extra Point...
You Know What Week It Is
Beating Washington was a national statement, but the Trojans have some city business to attend to next week. "We have a huge rivalry game coming up and a game that we have to have if we want to win the Pac-12 South," said Helton about the Crosstown Showdown with UCLA at the Rose Bowl. The last time USC beat a Top 5 opponent on the road, it came home and hammered UCLA, 50-0. "We got past this one and now we have to finish strong," said Rogers. "We're Trojans. We Fight On."
Here are the highlights from a resounding victory:
