USC vs Utah State: Who Were the Studs and Duds?

Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans defensive back Adoree Jackson (2) scores on a 79-yard punt return in the third quarter against the Utah State Aggies during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC vs Utah State provided the opportunity for the Trojans to bounce back in Week 2, but a similar cast of characters provided the highlights.

Take two was much more enjoyable for USC, opening the home schedule with a comfortable victory over Utah State.

That was no given since the Aggies had given the Trojans fits when they last met in 2013, when USC squeaked by with a 17-14 win.

Here’s a look at who stood out in the 52-6 USC vs Utah State blowout for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:

Who were the studs?

Michael Pittman:
It looked like USC was unraveling in the early goings against Utah State. The Trojan offense stalled on the first drive and starting left tackle Chuma Edoga was ejected by the end of it. USC’s defense managed a stop but the collective frustration in the Coliseum was palpable considering what happened against Alabama.

Cue freshman receiver Michael Pittman, who flew off the line on the Aggie punt attempt and got a hand on the kick. Quinton Powell was able to scoop it up inside the ten yard line, setting up the first USC touchdown of the season.

Though it wasn’t all smooth sailing from there, the special teams contribution from Pittman launched the Trojans towards victory.

Adoree’ Jackson:
Adoree’ Jackson was one of the few stars for USC against Alabama and he continued the strong start to his season with another stand out day. He had little to do on defense, tallying two tackles on the kind of quiet day a cornerback should relish. It was when the ball got in his hands on special teams when he reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be.

Jackson’s first touchdown of the season came on a punt return late in the third quarter after the Aggies largely tried to kick away from him. They obviously had good reason to avoid No. 2 as he took the punt off of one bounce and glided through the defense for a 77-yard score.

Leon McQuay II:
Another repeat stud, Leon McQuay II continues to make the most of his new role in the Clancy Pendergast defense.

After last week’s standout performance, McQuay added to his stat line with an interception which gave the Trojans back possession after Max Browne threw one of his own.

In addition, McQuay had four tackles on the day.

JuJu Smith-Schuster:
There was plenty of talk leading into the Utah State game about where JuJu Smith-Schuster’s head would be. He had just one catch against Alabama then made headlines when he fought with teammates at practice during the week.

Against Utah State, there was no trace of bad behavior from the junior receiver. He led the Trojans with seven receptions and two touchdowns. He also supplied the hardest hit a receiver might notch this season, brutally blindside blocking a Utah State player at the goal line.

Darreus Rogers:
It’s been an up and down career for Darreus Rogers, who continually flashes top-level talent, but continuously struggles with drops and other mental mistakes.

Rogers took a step towards establishing himself as the Trojans No. 2 receiver on Saturday, tying Smith-Schuster’s total of seven catches and while leading the team with 82 yard receiving. Sure, he had a signature drop, but overall the receiver was available for Browne to find him in tight spots and ran hard with purpose for every yard after the catch.

Mar 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (70) at spring practice at Cromwell Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Who were the duds?

Chuma Edoga:
Another game, another Trojan ejected for lashing out unnecessarily. Last week it was Jabari Ruffin, who stomped an Alabama player in the groin. This week, it was starting left tackle Chuma Edoga, who took a swipe at a Utah State player and was ejected on the first drive of the game.

Edoga’s actions were potentially disastrous — but thankfully held no bearing on the result of the match — as USC’s depth at tackle is no sure thing. The young player put teammate Chad Wheeler in a rough position, forced back into a full game of action when the intention had been to ease him into more action this week.

The Trojans were already missing Toa Lobendahn, who was ruled out for the season after tearing ligaments in his knee last week. An ejection was the last thing the USC line needed.

The USC Offensive Line:
A repeat offender on the duds list, the Trojan offensive line just can’t seem to click. There’s some room for leeway with the group, considering Lobendahn’s injury and Edoga’s ejection, but this group was touted as one of the nation’s finest in part because of the overall depth available. Injuries and absences are hollow excuses for another lackluster performance.

Browne was sacked on key third downs with little resistance and the Trojan running backs were largely stifled in the early goings.

Utah State’s defensive front has been reasonably competitive over the last few years, but they are far from the most difficult unit USC will face in the trenches this season. Concern is warranted.

Offensive Efficiency:
The Trojans scored 45 points, so something obviously went right. However, the team was 7-of-13 on third downs and entered half time with plenty of work to do on offense.