University Southern California Trojans
6-Points: USC 48, ASU 17
October 29, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans have now won three straight over the Sun Devils.
The Trojans bounced back with a resounding defeat of Pac-12 South challenger Arizona State in Tempe.
Click here for the game recap and final stats.
Fighting Off the Mat
As has become the norm during the Clay Helton era, the Trojans play their best football in the face of adversity. "They are special individuals and they had their jaw set tonight. When they walked into the locker room, you could see how they were going to perform," said Helton. "They came out here tonight with a sense of urgency." The Trojans jumped out to a 31-3 lead, silencing the critics who were ready to write-off the season after the Notre Dame loss. "I love everyone on this team and everyone plays for each other, especially after something bad happens," said OG Chris Brown. "That's what happened today."
First Strike Offense
While the playmakers get all the attention, games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. After a rough night in South Bend, the USC offensive and defensive lines set the tone in Tempe. "They were challenged and stood up to the challenge," Helton said about his big men. "That was the difference in the game." The Trojans ran for 341 yards, while holding the Sun Devils to 79 yards rushing. "We were firing off the ball," said Brown, who played with a 102-degree fever. "Our double teams looked good. We did a really good job of imposing our will in the run game."
Six Pack
Outside of the controversial Hail Mary at the end of the first half, the USC defense was completely dominant. OLB Uchenna Nwosu and DL Rasheem Green collected three sacks apiece as the pass rush looked far more potent with the return of OLB Porter Gustin. "Everybody was staying in their rush lanes, keeping the quarterback in the pocket, and everybody was pushing the pocket," Gustin explained. "So, he was kind of scrambling back there not knowing where to go." Ykili Ross coasted into the end zone with a pick-six to cap a spectacular night for the USC defense.
Give Him an Inch
The offensive line "freed up a bunch of skilled athletes to do their thing," said Helton. USC QB Sam Darnold came out firing, hitting WR Deontay Burnett on a 32-yard score and WR Tyler Vaughns on a 42-yard touchdown. From there, RB Ronald Jones II took the game over. The Texas Tesla sped past ASU for 216 yards on 18 carries, including breakaway touchdowns of 67 and 64 yards. With the second best night of his career, Jones broke into the all-time top 10 on USC's career rushing list.
Cleaning Up
Instead of tightening up under pressure, Helton instructed his team to "cut it loose" and have fun with each other. As a result, the Trojans eliminated many of the mistakes that have plagued them throughout the season. They only turned it over once, breaking a season-long streak of multi-turnover games. And, they were outstanding on third down, holding ASU to 1/12, while converting 7/15 on offense. "We're a very competitive bunch. We do have a lot of pride, so it really hurts to lose, not just lose, but lose like we did last week. It was not a pretty game, and everybody was fired up to not have that feeling again," Gustin said.
Title Fight
The Trojans improved to 10-1 in Pac-12 South games under Helton, but they will need to win another one next week to stay on track for their first conference title in almost a decade. "We hold our destiny in our hands," Helton said. "We have a chance to win a Pac-12 title, and we don't have to worry about anybody but ourselves and what we do." The Trojans will face a red hot Arizona team on Homecoming in what is a de facto Pac-12 South championship game. The Wildcats have won four straight since the electrifying Khalil Tate took over at quarterback.
Click here for the game recap and final stats.
Fighting Off the MatAs has become the norm during the Clay Helton era, the Trojans play their best football in the face of adversity. "They are special individuals and they had their jaw set tonight. When they walked into the locker room, you could see how they were going to perform," said Helton. "They came out here tonight with a sense of urgency." The Trojans jumped out to a 31-3 lead, silencing the critics who were ready to write-off the season after the Notre Dame loss. "I love everyone on this team and everyone plays for each other, especially after something bad happens," said OG Chris Brown. "That's what happened today."
First Strike Offense
While the playmakers get all the attention, games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. After a rough night in South Bend, the USC offensive and defensive lines set the tone in Tempe. "They were challenged and stood up to the challenge," Helton said about his big men. "That was the difference in the game." The Trojans ran for 341 yards, while holding the Sun Devils to 79 yards rushing. "We were firing off the ball," said Brown, who played with a 102-degree fever. "Our double teams looked good. We did a really good job of imposing our will in the run game."
Six Pack
Outside of the controversial Hail Mary at the end of the first half, the USC defense was completely dominant. OLB Uchenna Nwosu and DL Rasheem Green collected three sacks apiece as the pass rush looked far more potent with the return of OLB Porter Gustin. "Everybody was staying in their rush lanes, keeping the quarterback in the pocket, and everybody was pushing the pocket," Gustin explained. "So, he was kind of scrambling back there not knowing where to go." Ykili Ross coasted into the end zone with a pick-six to cap a spectacular night for the USC defense.
Give Him an Inch
The offensive line "freed up a bunch of skilled athletes to do their thing," said Helton. USC QB Sam Darnold came out firing, hitting WR Deontay Burnett on a 32-yard score and WR Tyler Vaughns on a 42-yard touchdown. From there, RB Ronald Jones II took the game over. The Texas Tesla sped past ASU for 216 yards on 18 carries, including breakaway touchdowns of 67 and 64 yards. With the second best night of his career, Jones broke into the all-time top 10 on USC's career rushing list.
Cleaning Up
Instead of tightening up under pressure, Helton instructed his team to "cut it loose" and have fun with each other. As a result, the Trojans eliminated many of the mistakes that have plagued them throughout the season. They only turned it over once, breaking a season-long streak of multi-turnover games. And, they were outstanding on third down, holding ASU to 1/12, while converting 7/15 on offense. "We're a very competitive bunch. We do have a lot of pride, so it really hurts to lose, not just lose, but lose like we did last week. It was not a pretty game, and everybody was fired up to not have that feeling again," Gustin said.
Title Fight
The Trojans improved to 10-1 in Pac-12 South games under Helton, but they will need to win another one next week to stay on track for their first conference title in almost a decade. "We hold our destiny in our hands," Helton said. "We have a chance to win a Pac-12 title, and we don't have to worry about anybody but ourselves and what we do." The Trojans will face a red hot Arizona team on Homecoming in what is a de facto Pac-12 South championship game. The Wildcats have won four straight since the electrifying Khalil Tate took over at quarterback.
Players Mentioned
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WR
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