Former USC Quarterback (1986-1990) Shane Foley reviews the Trojans’ week 1 romp over Fresno State for keys to beating Stanford in their Pac-12 opener.
In case you missed it…
Kickoff for the Trojans last Saturday at 4:30 PM could not come quickly enough. USC had endured endless chatter during game week with theJosh Shawfallout, the outlandishAnthony Brownaccusation and the ensuing piling-on by ESPN reporters who called the school a “clown college.”
More from LA Sports
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Sports: Ranking The Best Years in Los Angeles Sports History
- Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons Fans Should Be Concerned Going Into the Playoffs
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Clippers: Three takeaways from face-off No. 4
- NFL: Pair of LA wide receivers crack NFL’s 2020 Top 100 list
USC would not succumb to the negativity and naysayers. Curiosity surrounded the new tempo offense that Coach Sarkisian was introducing for the first time in school history. The first drive offered the promise of things to come.Cody Kesslershook off a dangerous first pass to lead the Trojans on a 17-play, 90-yard drive that culminated with his 1-yard run to put the Trojans up 7-0. The drive included three clutch third-down completions to Darreus Rogers to keep the drive alive. Kessler drilled two touchdown passes toNelson Agholorto put the Trojans up 21-0.
After anAndre Heidarifield goal, Fresno State mounted a 75-yard touchdown drive behind quarterbackBrandon Connetteto cut the lead to 24-7. After three consecutive drives with turnovers, two fumbles by the Trojan running backs and an interception by USC safetyGerald Bowman, Cody Kessler hit true freshmanAdoree Jacksonin between defenders for his first touchdown as a Trojan.
USC led 31-7 at the half afterLeonard Williamspicked off a pass which led to a Heidari missed field goal. On the first drive of the 2ndhalf, the Bulldogs ran through a poor tackling Trojan defense for a touchdown but missed the extra point, which cut the lead to 31-13. The Trojans answered with a 10-play, 85-yard drive of their own that ended with Buck Allen’s nifty nine-yard run into the end zone to go up 38-13. With a defender in his face, Kessler threw his fourth touchdown of the day to true freshman tight endBryce Dixonfor a 45-13 lead. All-purpose tankSoma Vainukurumbled for an 11-yard touchdown run of his own, giving USC a 52-13 lead to end the third quarter.
The second team players got an entire quarter of valuable playing time with quarterbackMax Browneand running back James Toland leading the way. Linebacker Michael Hutchings ended the evening with an interception and the Trojans finished a resounding 52-13 opening win.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations