USC Football: 3 things we learned from the Trojans’ win over Western Michigan

1. The USC offense has a lot of explosive players

The USC Trojans have good skill players, that’s for sure. Whether it was a big catch or a big run, the Trojans have a lot of talent at their disposal in 2017.

The Trojans progressed on offense started fast, then stalled but improved as the game wore on. Their best drive of the game came in towards the end of the third quarter. Darnold connected with wide receiver Deontay Burnett on a pair of two long completions before running the ball in 11 yards himself for a touchdown.

Running back Ronald Jones II, play-style aside, is a guy that needs 30-35 carries per game. He showed he has the durability to take on a heavy workload last season. Jones II had 18 carries for 159 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. He averaged 8.8 yards per carry in the game.

There were a few drives in the first quarter where Jones II went without a carry. That can’t happen if this team wants to win the PAC-12 title.

Quarterback Sam Darnold also has to work on his accuracy, too. Turnovers happen, sure, but they need to be a limited occurrence. Darnold had two interceptions when he tried forcing things. One came on a deflection off a defender and the other came into forced coverage and even then he under-threw his receiver.

Darnold did bounce back after his second interception, though. He led a 10-play, 83-yard drive and a 12-play, 56-yard drive both for touchdowns to keep the Trojans in the game.

Then there was running back Stephen Carr. Quite frankly, the Trojans really need to find a way to get this guy the ball. He basically sealed the game on a 52-yard run late in the fourth quarter. It was his second touchdown of the game.

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It was mishaps on the defense and special teams that left the USC Trojans exposed to the potential of an upset. Their offense can score the football but they need an opportunity to get on the field. If their defense can improve and get them opportunities, things should improve.