5 Thoughts on USC's Win over Utah

1. Huge Step Forward: Beating Utah was a huge step forward. This has all the hallmarks of a season-changing game, where the offense finally looked like it was ready for a run to the playoffs. Even with all of the errors and being down 21-7 at the half, this team fought back. That second half was one of the best halves of a football game USC has played this year, given the number of starters that were sidelined by injuries.
2. Cam Smith is Worn Down: I'm sure everyone saw it, as Cam Smith got bulldozed multiple times. He may have gotten a ton of tackles but most of them weren't pretty. It also looked like he was trying to save his body by avoiding unnecessary contact and bouncing off hits rather than delivering them. Rest him during the week. You know what he can do for you and you know he's mentally prepared to play. Let this be a warning to all: Never schedule a season like USC's, where there is not a single bye week.
3. USC is USC's Biggest Problem: If you count (3) turnovers and (3) penalties as unforced errors, USC had five unforced errors in the first half and just one in the second half -- a kickoff out of bounds. That split also showed up in how well the team performed in each half. With all of the talent USC has, USC's biggest obstacle to winning games is itself.
4. Offense is Much Better: The offense was moving well, except of course, the mental errors that turned the ball over near or in the red zone. When they stopped the mental errors, the Trojans were scoring. 532 yards of offense and 83 plays. Had they not committed unforced errors, the game would have been a blowout with Trojans winning 45 - 28. A large part of their success against the Utes came from an offensive line that blocked well and receivers sacrificing their body to catch the ball. Aside from the turnovers, this was huge, considering the quality of the defense they were up against.
5. Jack Jones: Before the season I stated that Adoree Jackson would not be missed nearly as much as people thought he'd be on defense. Jack Jones just showed how solid of a cornerback he is against the Utes, shutting down his side of the field. Utah's Troy Williams all but stopped throwing in his direction, instead, targeting Ajene Harris and Iman Marshall. In the secondary, Jones is the brightest star in his first year as a starter and his star will only grow brighter. Every once in a while, the video catches his face and you can see an Earl Thomas intensity in it. I'm excited about him.