Chris Swanson and I collaborated on this one. Here are our top five takeaways from USC's 55-6 victory Saturday at the Coliseum.
1. Hawkins has found a home
Saturday was not just Chris Hawkins’ first start at safety, it was his first appearance there. The redshirt sophomore officially switched from cornerback in spring practice and was the team’s best-looking safety in fall practice. Hawkins is heady, confident and learning to be physical, and we saw all of that in the season opener. He recorded an interception and was the first one to hit Arkansas State’s Michael Gordon on a run in which Gordon eventually fumbled the ball to Hawkins. (Jabari Ruffin was credited with the force.)
Traditionally speaking, neither Hawkins nor John Plattenburg look the part at safety. But they enjoy mixing it up against the run — they combined for 10 tackles and Plattenburg added a tackle for loss to Hawkins’ two turnovers — and they have cover skills, which USC requires at this position. In today’s Pac-12, their broad skill sets are much needed.
2. Oh, Line
Heading into the season, USC’s offensive line was seen as a potentially notable strength. The Trojans returned all six of their primary starters, four of which were rookies. So what if the exact combination had been somewhat altered.
Well, Arkansas State demonstrated that USC might need to make more alterations or revert to its original arrangement from 2014. The Red Wolves collected five sacks in the first half alone and stopped USC’s run game on a few crucial short-yardage situations with the game still in doubt.
Last year, Chad Wheeler and Toa Lobendahn were so good together on the left side. Their separation is one possible explanation for USC’s issues in the season opener. Wheeler was playing in his first game since tearing his ACL in October and Lobendahn was making his debut at right guard.
The right tackle position is also a concern. Zach Banner’s play toward the end of fall camp was unsatisfying to new line coach Bob Connelly. He struggled Saturday, appearing too slow at times. True freshman Chuma Edoga rotated with Banner and had a rocky debut himself.
Arkansas State generated pressure from all angles while its delayed blitzes really threw USC’s offensive line for a loop. The silver lining was that when the line did provide Cody Kessler with some time or create some room for one of the backs the offense was explosive.
3. The stable returns
A year ago, Buck Allen had the best season of any USC tailback since Reggie Bush and LenDale White combined for more than 3,000 yards in 2005. Allen valiantly carried the offense at times. But his was too much a solo effort. Backup Justin Davis never seemed completely healthy or comfortable in an offense that was foreign to him and Tre Madden missed the season with a toe fracture. Madden, who’s struggled to stay on the field since he arrived at USC, was fabulous in Saturday’s season opener. His all-around game was on full display as he ran for 106 yards, highlighted by a 65-yard TD, and caught a touchdown. Allen was well-rounded, too, but the more versatile Madden allows USC to call virtually any play with him in the backfield.
Ronald Jones II is a constant home run threat whose top-end speed reminds you of Sultan McCullough. If he gets to the edge and through the first line of defense he might be gone, which was the case on his 44-yard touchdown run. Aca’Cedric Ware, who’s had a strong training camp, also looked good in the game’s closing minutes. The trio averaged a startling 9.1 yards per carry Saturday. Ware and Jones are very different backs, and I believe they’re both going to be very good for USC. Then there’s Dominic Davis, who brings something completely different to the table. He caught two passes for 53 yards. It was surprising to see how unaffected USC was by the absence of Justin Davis, who’s primed for a breakout season as well. That's a scary thought for opposing defenses.
4. Going deep
All things considered, USC’s passing game was one of its many highlights in the season opener. But part of the conversation in the locker room revolved around some of the missed opportunities. More specifically, Kessler and Co. discussed those deep balls.
Kessler completed more than 70 percent of his throws but wasn’t able to connect downfield. For what it’s worth, everyone seemed to be on the same page; the timing just wasn’t there. There’s reason for optimism here, as JuJu Smith-Schuster is really the only receiver Kessler is used to targeting regularly. He’s still finding his way with Steven Mitchell Jr., Darreus Rogers, De’Quan Hampton and Isaac Whitney.
Taking these shots in a game setting is still somewhat of a novel concept for Kessler, who’s naturally averse to taking risks. It was obvious the Trojans want to incorporate this element and stretch the field. They have the horses to do so, and offensive coordinator Clay Helton swears Kessler has the arm to make every throw. If that’s the case, it’s going to take some growth from USC’s redshirt senior quarterback.
5. They’re fresh, man
Cameron Smith started. An injury to Adoree’ Jackson forced Biggie Marshall into a feature role. Porter Gustin played the bulk of the game while it was still being decided. That’s not even the half of it. USC played 12 true freshmen by halftime and 13 total. The staff stayed true to its word and had players in a constant rotation, particularly on defense, which allowed for several of the freshmen to not only get their feet wet but make a splash.
Smith led the team in tackles. Osa Masina returned a fumble. Marshall had six tackles, two pass break-ups and allowed just one reception. The exploits of the tailbacks are highlighted above. The nation’s top recruiting class didn’t merely help USC pile on at the end of a rout against an overmatched opponent. They were instrumental in building the pile’s foundation and making USC dominant Saturday.
One of the constant refrains from the players after the game was how they were encouraged to go all out on every play because they would be platooned. There was no need for the starters to conserve energy and pace themselves for four quarters, not because of an expected blowout but because they were going to play less snaps and would be given opportunities to recharge. The continual substitutions were reminiscent of line changes in hockey.
There were a number of non-true freshman reserves that also made this possible, including Uchenna Nwosu, Kenny Bigelow Jr. and transfers Whitney and Hampton, just to name a few. But the breadth of impact from USC’s youngest players was the single biggest reason the team could function in this manner. Let’s not forget, the last time the Trojans had a complete signing class was four, long years ago, and it helped propel USC to become one of the very best teams in the nation.
1. Hawkins has found a home
Saturday was not just Chris Hawkins’ first start at safety, it was his first appearance there. The redshirt sophomore officially switched from cornerback in spring practice and was the team’s best-looking safety in fall practice. Hawkins is heady, confident and learning to be physical, and we saw all of that in the season opener. He recorded an interception and was the first one to hit Arkansas State’s Michael Gordon on a run in which Gordon eventually fumbled the ball to Hawkins. (Jabari Ruffin was credited with the force.)
Traditionally speaking, neither Hawkins nor John Plattenburg look the part at safety. But they enjoy mixing it up against the run — they combined for 10 tackles and Plattenburg added a tackle for loss to Hawkins’ two turnovers — and they have cover skills, which USC requires at this position. In today’s Pac-12, their broad skill sets are much needed.
2. Oh, Line
Heading into the season, USC’s offensive line was seen as a potentially notable strength. The Trojans returned all six of their primary starters, four of which were rookies. So what if the exact combination had been somewhat altered.
Well, Arkansas State demonstrated that USC might need to make more alterations or revert to its original arrangement from 2014. The Red Wolves collected five sacks in the first half alone and stopped USC’s run game on a few crucial short-yardage situations with the game still in doubt.
Last year, Chad Wheeler and Toa Lobendahn were so good together on the left side. Their separation is one possible explanation for USC’s issues in the season opener. Wheeler was playing in his first game since tearing his ACL in October and Lobendahn was making his debut at right guard.
The right tackle position is also a concern. Zach Banner’s play toward the end of fall camp was unsatisfying to new line coach Bob Connelly. He struggled Saturday, appearing too slow at times. True freshman Chuma Edoga rotated with Banner and had a rocky debut himself.
Arkansas State generated pressure from all angles while its delayed blitzes really threw USC’s offensive line for a loop. The silver lining was that when the line did provide Cody Kessler with some time or create some room for one of the backs the offense was explosive.
3. The stable returns
A year ago, Buck Allen had the best season of any USC tailback since Reggie Bush and LenDale White combined for more than 3,000 yards in 2005. Allen valiantly carried the offense at times. But his was too much a solo effort. Backup Justin Davis never seemed completely healthy or comfortable in an offense that was foreign to him and Tre Madden missed the season with a toe fracture. Madden, who’s struggled to stay on the field since he arrived at USC, was fabulous in Saturday’s season opener. His all-around game was on full display as he ran for 106 yards, highlighted by a 65-yard TD, and caught a touchdown. Allen was well-rounded, too, but the more versatile Madden allows USC to call virtually any play with him in the backfield.
Ronald Jones II is a constant home run threat whose top-end speed reminds you of Sultan McCullough. If he gets to the edge and through the first line of defense he might be gone, which was the case on his 44-yard touchdown run. Aca’Cedric Ware, who’s had a strong training camp, also looked good in the game’s closing minutes. The trio averaged a startling 9.1 yards per carry Saturday. Ware and Jones are very different backs, and I believe they’re both going to be very good for USC. Then there’s Dominic Davis, who brings something completely different to the table. He caught two passes for 53 yards. It was surprising to see how unaffected USC was by the absence of Justin Davis, who’s primed for a breakout season as well. That's a scary thought for opposing defenses.
4. Going deep
All things considered, USC’s passing game was one of its many highlights in the season opener. But part of the conversation in the locker room revolved around some of the missed opportunities. More specifically, Kessler and Co. discussed those deep balls.
Kessler completed more than 70 percent of his throws but wasn’t able to connect downfield. For what it’s worth, everyone seemed to be on the same page; the timing just wasn’t there. There’s reason for optimism here, as JuJu Smith-Schuster is really the only receiver Kessler is used to targeting regularly. He’s still finding his way with Steven Mitchell Jr., Darreus Rogers, De’Quan Hampton and Isaac Whitney.
Taking these shots in a game setting is still somewhat of a novel concept for Kessler, who’s naturally averse to taking risks. It was obvious the Trojans want to incorporate this element and stretch the field. They have the horses to do so, and offensive coordinator Clay Helton swears Kessler has the arm to make every throw. If that’s the case, it’s going to take some growth from USC’s redshirt senior quarterback.
5. They’re fresh, man
Cameron Smith started. An injury to Adoree’ Jackson forced Biggie Marshall into a feature role. Porter Gustin played the bulk of the game while it was still being decided. That’s not even the half of it. USC played 12 true freshmen by halftime and 13 total. The staff stayed true to its word and had players in a constant rotation, particularly on defense, which allowed for several of the freshmen to not only get their feet wet but make a splash.
Smith led the team in tackles. Osa Masina returned a fumble. Marshall had six tackles, two pass break-ups and allowed just one reception. The exploits of the tailbacks are highlighted above. The nation’s top recruiting class didn’t merely help USC pile on at the end of a rout against an overmatched opponent. They were instrumental in building the pile’s foundation and making USC dominant Saturday.
One of the constant refrains from the players after the game was how they were encouraged to go all out on every play because they would be platooned. There was no need for the starters to conserve energy and pace themselves for four quarters, not because of an expected blowout but because they were going to play less snaps and would be given opportunities to recharge. The continual substitutions were reminiscent of line changes in hockey.
There were a number of non-true freshman reserves that also made this possible, including Uchenna Nwosu, Kenny Bigelow Jr. and transfers Whitney and Hampton, just to name a few. But the breadth of impact from USC’s youngest players was the single biggest reason the team could function in this manner. Let’s not forget, the last time the Trojans had a complete signing class was four, long years ago, and it helped propel USC to become one of the very best teams in the nation.
