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

USC football was on upset alert, but they pulled away late for the 49-31 victory. Here are three things we learned from Trojan victory.

The USC Trojans got off to a fast start in the game. They scored on a six play, 75-yard drive on their opening drive. Ronald Jones II ran the ball for 16 yards for the first score of the game.

Jones II had 53 rushing yards to establish the Trojans running game early. However, the USC offense stalled after their first drive, going 0-for-3 on third downs thereafter for three straight three-and-outs.

The Western Michigan Broncos stuck around all game long with a strong running game, showcasing their experience offensive line. Despite being a MAC team, they played the game like it was last year’s Cotton Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers. The challenges came early for the Trojans, especially for their run defense. Running backs Jarvion Franklin, Jamauri Bogan and LeVante Bellamy ran the ball all over them.

Western Michigan was tied with the USC Trojans at halftime 14-14. The USC offense still struggled to get it going after their first drive. Early drops by some receivers left quarterback Sam Darnold hanging at key moments.

The USC Trojans prevailed in the end after a 20-point fourth quarter to begin the season 1-0. They’ve got work to do though. Here’s a look at three things we learned from the Trojans victory over Western Michigan.

3. Western Michigan could make another New Years Six Bowl

Let’s be honest, when we saw former head coach P.J. Fleck depart for the Minnesota Gophers position, we all wrote the Western Michigan Broncos off. Well write them back on folks, this Broncos team is for real.

First-year head coach Tim Lester and the Broncos traveled to Los Angeles and showed no fear in game one of the 2017 season. Quarterback John Wassink spread the ball out to his trio of running backs (Jamuri Bogan, Jarvion Franklin and LeVante Bellamy) and the offensive line did the rest.

Quarterback John Wassink had a rushing touchdown and receiving touchdown and no passing touchdowns. The Broncos had just 94 passing yards in the game. Bogan, Franklin and Bellamy combined for 263 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the game.

Western Michigan even was able to showcase the speed of Darius Phillips on special teams. The Broncos trailed 28-21 in the fourth when Phillips struck right back with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to tie things up at 28.

The Broncos fell apart in the fourth quarter, but they should be a different group by November. Look for them to be a Non-Power Five school worth talking about when bowl season rolls around.

2. The USC Trojans defense has some developing to do

The USC Trojans came with a lot of hype in 2017. They were a bit shorthanded in the first half without linebacker Cameron Smith in the middle of the field but still, it’s no excuse. If they want to be a top team, their defense is going to need to play a whole lot better than they did.

The Trojans defense played very lethargic against the Broncos and it almost lost them the game. Western Michigan held the ball for 34:40 on offense. USC’s offense had the ball for just 25:20 in the game. Time of possession was key in the Broncos’ ability to almost pull off the upset.

Defensive line allowed 263 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the game. The pass defense held them to just 94  passing yards. The Broncos averaged 5.5 rushing yards per carry. The USC Trojans defense was a work in progress all game long. Missed tackles and miscues kept Western Michigan within striking distance all game.

After forcing two Western Michigan punts, a long 48-yard burst by LeVante Bellamy kept the Broncos in the game. Bellamy took the USC defense to the nearest track and almost broke for more albeit for a tackle by the defense. The Trojans defense prevented the Broncos from scoring a touchdown on the same drive, forcing a field goal.

The Trojans closed out the game with a pick-six, forcing their first turnover in the fourth quarter. Marvel Tell III returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown to cap off a subpar performance from the defense.

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.