Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 10: USC Rises, Arizona, Utah Fall
Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates with Bryce Dixon (13) and George Katrib (83) after scoring on a 65-yard punt return in the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The fireworks against the Colorados and Washington States of the world begs the question. What is USC’s biggest win?
The Trojans blew a big lead against Arizona and to many fans, it felt like a loss when Troy prevailed only when Arizona missed a last second field goal. And speaking of missed field goals, USC wouldn’t have that Stanford win without a slew of kicking errors by the Cardinal.
If you take those wins away, USC’s biggest accomplishment may be winning comfortable over Oregon State, or beating ASU…for 54 minutes.
The good news for SC is, the remaining schedule of Cal, UCLA, Notre Dame provides plenty of opportunity for a signature win. If Steve Sarkisian’s young team can manage to win two of those final three and get a win in a Bowl game, year one of the Sark Era will still feel like a success.
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4
USC Trojans 6-3 (5-2)
Last week: Lost to Washington State Cougars 44-17
Last rank: 7
There’s optimism in the air once again around Troy as USC celebrates a 44-17 Shellacking of Washington State. It was a dreary day in Pullman, but the Trojans talent shined through the fog. Nelson Agholor had the day Trojan fans have been waiting for all season with an 87 yard breakaway TD and over 200 yards on the day.
Buck Allen was as brilliant as ever rushing for over 100 yards for the 6th straight game. USC’s longest such streak since…well that other guy named Allen.
But statistical triumphs ring hollow at a program with the history of USC. Cody Kessler broke the record for TDs in a game three weeks ago at Washington State, but the Trojans couldn’t get points when they needed them in the clutch at Utah the following week.
The fireworks against the Colorados and Washington States of the world begs the question. What is USC’s biggest win?
The Trojans blew a big lead against Arizona and to many fans, it felt like a loss when Troy prevailed only when Arizona missed a last second field goal. And speaking of missed field goals, USC wouldn’t have that Stanford win without a slew of kicking errors by the Cardinal.
If you take those wins away, USC’s biggest accomplishment may be winning comfortable over Oregon State, or beating ASU…for 54 minutes.
The good news for SC is, the remaining schedule of Cal, UCLA, Notre Dame provides plenty of opportunity for a signature win. If Steve Sarkisian’s young team can manage to win two of those final three and get a win in a Bowl game, year one of the Sark Era will still feel like a success.