Los Angeles, Ca – Are the Trojans trying to regain their identity of Student body Left then right. The found some success in the running game defeating Arizona 38-30 at the Coliseum. The defense stood up in the first half, to give time for its offense to warm up the ground game.
Homecoming weekend what better time to enjoy meeting up with old friends and remembering the glory days. It’s been a little rough after the Reggie Bush era and that great run with former coach Pete Carroll. The visiting Arizona Wildcats coming in off two losses in row and are still searching to break this losing streak.
Coming out at the half with the game 17-17 and USC receiving the second half kick. New head coach Clay Helton said in the second half we are going to look to establish the run. They offensive was able to get the ground game started in second quarter behind the quick one foot cut in ground Ronald Jones II who put a first quarter touchdown on the board and ate up some clock for ball control offense.
On 4th and 2 with 2:26 left on the clock Arizona goes for it at mid field with a read option play that was stuffed for no gain that resulted in turnover on downs late in 3rd quarter. Then USC trailing by three points drove half the field for an earlier 9 yard Justin Davis run to cap off a seven play drive in 4th quarter. The Trojans took the lead and never look back at that point.
Coach Helton stayed with the run, few series later running back Ronald Jones exploded down field like a rocket for 74 yards. This run showed speed, toughness and determination to score, bring the game to 31-23 9:24 left in 4th quarter. The Trojans freshmen backfield duo of Davis & Jones today grounded out 262 yards on 35 touches 4 touchdowns (Jones 177 yards, Davis 85 yards).
The Wildcats in the midst of playing back-to-back road games and their finishing regular season with three of its last four games on the road. The fiery Coach Rich Rodriguez of Arizona was determined today not to let his Cats get shut out without an offensive touchdown against the Trojans.
The Trojans showed flashes of greatness and will need this type of performance to finish strong for rest of the season. They will have short week to prepare for Colorado on Friday night November 13 for their next game. But they will have extra days as a result to prepare for Oregon the week after. Great Win and now the Trojans fans are guaranteed to be Bowl-ing this post season.
