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USC football, looking like a very competent and highly-ranked team, had an easy time of it against Utah State. There was a reason this game was scheduled after LSU, on a short week after a draining win against a top SEC program. USC was able to manage just fine with only five days between games. The late kickoff was also good because USC was spared the full force of the heat wave sweeping through Los Angeles and the West. The Trojans’ report card for this game will involve a few As, but not across the board. There is still plenty for this team to clean up, and with Michigan coming up, we need to point out that USC playing at this level against Utah State might not translate to Ann Arbor in two weeks. Higher grades will always be given for wins against top opponents. We can’t call this a great game if there were points left on the table.
With that in mind, here is the USC football report card for the blowout victory over Utah State:
WIDE RECEIVERS — D
Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (8)] gestures after a first down in the second half against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In a surprise, the USC receivers did not play well. This was the worst position group by far on Saturday. Every other unit was at least moderately good, if not great.
Trojan receivers continue to get their hands on passes and allow defenders to rake the ball away. These sequences are occurring in the red zone or on deep balls. These plays need to be made in the bigger upcoming games on the schedule. This grade is not harsh. It is a message that this level of play won’t be good enough versus Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame. Are we wrong? No.
OFFENSIVE LINE — B
Mandatory Credit: Tim Prangley | Trojans Wire
USC needed to run block. The Trojans did…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-football-report-card-dominant-070209584.html
Author : Trojans Wire
Publish date : 2024-09-08 07:02:09
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