He wasn’t perfect but a lot of the routine normal passes were right at the numbers or face mask. He was making intermediate and deep throws with a level of comfort you don’t usually see in freshmen.

The back shoulder fade to Vaughns in the 1st was right on but just a timing issue and Vaughns let him down. Just think about that. How many college QBs have the anticipation and can locate a back shoulder fade, let alone some of the dual threat QBs in the NFL.

His deep ball is a real weapon that can be consistently relied upon. Combine that with the speed of Amon Ra, Jones, and the leaping abilities of Pittman/TV you have something.

If Helton was smart (he isn’t), this offense would aspire to be something like 2011 with Barkley/Woods/Lee. It’s not the same roster (specifically, on OL) but that style of play best fits the skill position talent.

What we’ll probably see is something that leans more towards 3 yards and a cloud of dust.

I wish I wrote this but at the same time I’m glad I didn’t because I wouldn’t have written it as well.

This story will blow your mind.

McCullough feature

When you breakdown the game, can you let me know how many rushing yards UNLV had when Echols and Mauga were in the game? I think a large amount of the yards were when those two were in the game. Thanks

The four-star CB from Gardena (Calif.) Serra is out for the remainder of the year with a torn ACL but he's looking at visits to Oregon, USC and Notre Dame coming up. Looks like his three frontrunners at this point:

https://n.rivals.com/news/gorney-s-takeaways-talent-shines-through-at-honor-bowl

Or was it Tyler Vaughns? One of them knocked 2 players on their asses in Stephen Carrs kick off return. Who was that?

A great highlight of the game.

Pretty sure it was Velus Jones.

If you were following the game thread on here yesterday, you saw mention of an ongoing discussion between Adam and I about the prospects of Trevon Sidney being a factor this season. Well, after he doubled his career receiving total in one game, I had to write something about him. So here it is:

https://usc.rivals.com/news/wr-trevon-sidney-backs-up-strong-preseason-with-breakout-game

The Trojans discuss their 43-21 victory against UNLV in the season opener.

Postgame video interviews

We’ll have a lot more after postgame interviews, but here’s a quick story from the season-opening win.

https://usc.rivals.com/news/jt-daniels-sparks-offense-late-usc-overcomes-rough-start-vs-unlv

I don’t particularly like how Washington will go play at Auburn today. Putting our best rated team on the line while everyone else throughout the nation plays cupcakes at home. When Washington gets beat today, the PAC 12 will be set up to look weak, again.

Our league scheduling is definitely not in our favor like every other league. We do it to ourselves.

The headline says it all. Truly jaw-dropping; a must read/watch:
http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/24505521/the-jaw-dropping-story-nfl-coach-search-family

Kickers deserve a share of the spotlight sometimes too, and if ever there was a time ...

Chase McGrath's five field goals Saturday matched a program record and kept the Trojans in the game until the offense could finally get going. Through just one game, he's already almost halfway to his 2017 field goal total (which is not a great statement for the offense, but certainly a strong one for McGrath).

https://usc.rivals.com/news/chase-mcgrath-ties-usc-program-record-with-5-field-goals-in-opener

Let me begin by saying that I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity to work with Ryan Young. I truly am sorry that there wasn't more dialogue about what was coming in advance. None of us were permitted to comment on the matter.

I've had a chance to get acquainted with Ryan and his work over the past few weeks and am thoroughly impressed with his passion, ambition, dedication, knowledge and creativity. His entire focus is set on making this site better, and he will. We will. Rest assured, I plan to continue working for this site for several years. If you'd like to chat privately, you can always contact me directly through personal messaging. Please do.

I also want to reiterate how much I appreciate you guys. This job is very important to my family and I, and we thank you for your loyalty.

Fight on!

sc Looked horrible especially if the defense is supposed to be so damn dominant

I'll take it, grudgingly. I hope the rust is off.

Fight on.

No. 15 USC 43, UNLV 21

It's easy to find things to nitpick about after USC's win over UNLV, but all things considered, the Trojans showed enough to indicate they will again be a serious contender in the Pac-12. That's primarily because of the performance of quarterback JT Daniels, who became just the second true freshman in program history to start the season opener. As the game went on, Daniels became more comfortable and the team became more explosive. With Stanford and Texas waiting the next two weeks, it was important for USC to help Daniels progress as quickly as possible.

Defensively, USC has a lot to get cleaned up in the running game: UNLV ran for 308 yards on 43 carries. If a team like the Rebels can find that much success on the ground against USC, it doesn't bode well for what the most talented teams might be able to do. -- Bonagura

I was expecting the D to be a lot better this year with the athletes they have and Todd Orlando.

Anyone have an actual good scouting report on this team? Their QB situation still looks like it leaves a lot to be desired.

Never ever go full gumbo.

Perdormancy from a team. All levels offence, defense, special teams have all been disappointing.
WHY DO WE PAY A SPECIAL TEAMS COACH. I know family first.

Porter Gustin was engaging as always after the game Saturday. Here's what he said after notching a fumble recovery on the first defensive snap and a sack on the following series.

https://usc.rivals.com/news/usc-s-porter-gustin-says-he-s-just-getting-warmed-up-knee-feels-good

I set these for just the 12-game regular season schedule. Feel free to offer your takes!

JT Daniels
2,600 yards
22 touchdowns
10 interceptions
62 completion percentage
18 sacks

Stephen Carr
1,200 rushing yards
10 touchdowns

Aca’Cedric Ware
600 rushing yards

Vavae Malepeai
400 rushing yards

Running backs
50 receptions

Tyler Vaughns
70 catches
1,000 yards
8 TDs

Michael Pittman
50 catches
700 yards
6 TDs

Amon-Ra St. Brown
50 catches
700 receiving yards
6 TDs
300 punt return yards
0.5 PR TDs

Velus Jones
30 catches
400 yards
4 TDs
750 kickoff return yards
0.5 KOR TDs

Devon Williams
30 catches
400 yards
4 TDs

Tight ends
40 catches
500 yards
5 TDs

Christian Rector
10 sacks

Porter Gustin
10 sacks

Jordan Iosefa
10 TFLs

Cam Smith
95 tackles

Biggie Marshall
2.5 INTs

Ajene Harris
2.5 INTs

Marvell Tell
2 INTs

Offense
28 points scored per game

Defense
20 turnovers forced
2.5 touchdowns scored by the defense
35 sacks
13 total INTs
22 points allowed per game

Kicking
20 FG attempts
70% accuracy

Team
70 offensive snaps per game
65,000 home attendance per game
9.5 total wins

Here's a look at what head coach Clay Helton had to say after the Trojan's opening game victory against the UNLV Rebels.
They Said It: Clay Helton postgame

I was just watching the funeral for Aretha Franklin. If you can, go to YouTube, if it's there yet, and watch Bill Clinton's eulogy to her. Exceptional!

(there is nothing up yet, so I can't attach anything here, sorry)

Here you go-
Login to view embedded media

I don't see center Toa Lobendahn on the field for warm-ups. No surprise. Clay Helton sounded pretty pessimistic about his availability, while also expressing confidence in redshirt freshman backup Brett Neilon.

Still, USC will be introducing a new quarterback and new center at the same time today, so that's definitely something to monitor.

OLB Porter Gustin is out there, as expected. It will be interesting to see how many snaps he plays today, but the sense all week from coaches (and himself) was that he is ready to go.

You know, for those who do not have Dish Network (99% of country).

Can't make it to a viewing party either.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks! Fight On! Beat the Rebs!!!

early against UT. NM