Stanford Football: 3 takeaways from loss to USC in Pac-12 Title Game

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Jack Jones #25 of the USC Trojans is called for pass interference on JJ Arcega-Whiteside #19 of the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. Ronald Jones II is a quality competitor for Bryce Love

The Pac-12 is an underrated conference for running backs. It’s not just junior USC running back Ronald Jones II and Stanford’s junior Heisman contender Bryce Love. The rest of the conference boasts a lot of talent at the position as well including Washington’s Myles Gaskin, Oregon’s Royce Freeman, and Colorado’s Phillip Lindsay.

Jones II got off to a faster start than Love did, with 75 rushing yards in the first half alone. He took his performance to the next level in the second half, with what seemed like the game winning touchdown with around five minutes left in the final quarter.

In total, Jones II actually outperformed Love with more than 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Love totaled 125 yards and one touchdown. Yet, Jones II was healthier since Love is dealing with an injured ankle.

Stanford’s defense could not consistently stop Jones II at any point. He averaged nearly 5.0 yards per carry on 27 attempts. Yet, Jones II is not even the best player on the USC offense, which is what makes the Trojans so dangerous.

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