USC Gets Pushed Down By Stanford

USC Cody Kessler standing tall in the pocket. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Cody Kessler standing tall in the pocket. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Steven Mitchell Jr. Celebrating a Touchdown. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Steven Mitchell Jr. Celebrating a Touchdown. Photo by Jordon Kelly

Los Angeles, Ca – The Pac-12 conference shows you why you need to be ready to play week in and week out. Stanford came in to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum still trying to find their identity. One thing that worked for Stanford coach David Shaw was a big dose of Kevin Hogan the 5th year Senior, 4 year starter who carved up the USC defense for 279 yards with two touchdowns. His leadership showed through in this battle verses a well-coached team.

Both teams in this tight battle, during which Stanford notched a 41-31 victory over USC, required each coach to adjust their game plans to keep their defenses off the field. That battle was won by Stanford having the ball for an additional 12:40 minutes.  Some of this time was grinned out by running back Christian McCaffrey who lead his team with 26 carries 120 yards rushing, 249 all purpose yards. Remound Wright complemented McCaffrey scoring 3 touchdowns, with 41 yards rushing.

Stanford Christian MaCaffrey finding little day light. Photo by Jordon Kelly
Stanford Christian MaCaffrey finding little day light. Photo by Jordon Kelly

Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler had good day with the time his offense was on the field throwing for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns. Just think if in the second half if Kessler had few more possession would it be a different outcome.  Kessler’s favorite target -JuJu Smith-Schuster- who just continued to make sure the fans know his name.  Smith-Schuster caught 8 passes for 153 yards to lead his team in receiving for the third week in row.

USC Cody Kessler under pressure by Stanford. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Cody Kessler under pressure by Stanford. Photo by Jordon Kelly

This game was a big win for Stanford in getting back on track. Coach Shaw said however, “The guys were celebrating after the game, but I reminded them we don’t get a trophy for this one. It’s a regular season game against a conference opponent that we won on the road. That’s great. ” Even Hogan was grounded with this victory, “You want to go 1-0 each week and [it’s] great to start Pac-12 play 1-0.”

The Trojans will have an opportunity to travel to Tempe and face Arizona State next week who is coming off a 34-10 victory over New Mexico Friday night. Stanford will have another test traveling to play Oregon State on a short week, on Friday night.

USC Darreus Rodgers geting few extra yards after the catch. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Darreus Rodgers geting few extra yards after the catch. Photo by Jordon Kelly