USC Football: 3 takeaways from win over Washington State in Week 14

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Dec 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) is stopped by Washington State Cougars linebacker Dillon Sherman (41) after a first down in the first half of the game at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. USC was disappointing after the opening quarter

The first quarter of this game was the potential this offense has. Washington State had every opportunity to dominate this game. However, the Trojans could not muster much offense after the first quarter. USC could have made a massive statement in tonight’s game, but they fell short.

Neither team was able to do much offensively tonight outside of the first quarter. Both teams combined for just 550 total yards tonight. The Trojans were never threatened in this game because Washington State’s offense was so bad tonight, but there has to be some concern about USC not being able to really put the boots to Washington State.

Consider BYU for a moment. Their schedule was awful, and the Cougars ran through everyone. With just a five-game schedule, that is exactly what USC needed to do. Tonight was a great opportunity for USC to destroy a team after almost losing to Arizona and Arizona State. The defense was outstanding, but — save for one big quarter — the offense struggled.

The inconsistency of the offense had a lot to do with the issues along the offensive line. Washington State could get pressure on USC quarterback Kedon Slovis, and the line did not open any holes for the run game.

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