Rapid Reaction: The Good, Bad, and Ugly-Stanford vs. USC
The Ugly
Hayes Pullard‘s ejection: Pullard’s ejection came at a bad time and hopefully will not cost him more time off the field after being ejected for targeting. Larry Scott, Pac-12 commissioner, will further review Hayes’ ejection. Pullard can be suspended for one half of USC’s match with Boston College…or may serve no additional punishment at all.
#USC LB Hayes Pullard: ``I was just trying to get (Ty Montgomery) on the ground. I was like, `man,' when they called the penalty.''
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) September 7, 2014
Sep 6, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans athletic director Pat Haden (left) congratulates receiver JuJu Smith (9) after the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. USC defeated Stanford 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
More Pat Haden: Haden’s actions on the field in his heated exchange over Hayes Pullard’s ejection will also be further reviewed by Larry Scott. And, the “resign from the playoff committee overreactions have officially begun.
Penalties: As many of the Trojans youth movement matures, the penalties will hopefully dwindle along with it. USC had 10 penalties for 87 yards. That MUST change for the Trojans. On both sides of the ball, there must be more discipline.
Overall
The Trojans, as expected by many, are off to a hot 2-0 start. Some wins will be ugly, some wins will be fancy. However, Sarkisian has his players focused and composed. Having past the first major obstacle en route to a playoff appearance, the Trojans can call themselves battle-tested.