FOOTBALL

USC-Washington State Report Card

QUARTERBACK

This was the first time Kedon Slovis looked like the 2019 version for an entire game. Now let’s see if it happens in a game USC doesn’t lead 28-0 before the cardboard cutouts make their seats warm.

Grade: B+

RUNNING BACKS

Maybe one of the worst collective performances by a group of backs in USC history. And I’ve already said to blame the offensive line. But let’s be honest: Running the ball has been a consistent problem. Imagine running against Alabama?

Grade: F

WIDE RECEIVERS

Who was open? Everyone against Washington State’s depleted secondary. It was like playing a video game. Did you know that no USC receivers made the final ballot for the Biletnikoff Award? Not enough games.

Grade: A-

OFFENSIVE LINE

Yes, there were lineman out (Andrew Vorhees) or injured (Liam Jimmons). But the run blocking was awful and the pass protection was not much better.

Grade: F

DEFENSIVE LINE

The run-and-shoot offense isn’t conducive for the line to make a lot of tackles. For example, Marlon Tuipolotu didn’t make a tackle. But they played their part.

Grade: B-

LINEBACKER

Talanoa Hufanga moved up to linebacker and had nine tackles plus an interception. Does Kana’i Mauga’s emergence explain why Palaie Gaoteote entered the transfer portal?

Grade: B+

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Chris Steele had a holding penalty; a hands-to-the-face penalty and a face mask that was missed by the Pac-12 officials. He also missed a QB sack after racing untouched into the backfield. And all this was against a fairly awful QB.

Grade: D+

SPECIAL TEAMS

Parker Lewis missed a FG and there were 10 men on the field for a punt return. Doesn’t matter against Washington State.

Grade: C-

COACHING

Todd Orlando blitzed less because he faced a run-and-shoot offense. But this game illustrated why Graham Harrell’s disdain for running the ball can hurt. Remember how USC said it would throw more to the tight end this season? They didn’t catch a pass Sunday.

Clay Helton? He was at the game.

Grade: D+

11 thoughts on “USC-Washington State Report Card”

  1. You should give Helton credit for being there, after all he was on TV, which is more than can be said for the cardboard cutouts. However he was vintage Helton. He called timeout as time expired on Washington State’s offense on 4th down. I guess he didn’t want them to move backwards five yards for the punt, so they had to false start on the punt attempt to move back and we lost a timeout. Good thinking I guess. And you missed the zero adjustments during half time. I bet Helton drives his car until his check oil light comes on, before he does. If he were a car, he’d be a Yugo. (As in You go away please.)

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Yeah, that was crazy, WSU wants extra room to punt so Helton calls a T/O?
      The WSU player acted badly that we false started, a direct FU from Wsu to Helton.

      Liked by 3 people

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  2. “ QUARTERBACK

    This was the first time Kedon Slovis looked like the 2019 version for an entire game. Now let’s see if it happens in a game USC doesn’t lead 28-0 before the cardboard cutouts make their seats warm.”

    Didn’t he lead the team to 2TD drives the first two games as time was expiring? Hmmm

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Those 2 TD drives against the ‘Zona teams, hey, that is just average, everyday stuff. Every college QB delivers that, back-to-back, during a season.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Now that some of the assistants are obviously better than Helton, Scottie should split up the coaching grades. Maybe an HC grade, and a grade for the assistants.

      Liked by 1 person

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  4. What does it take to get an A around here ? USC won going away and nobody tried in the second half. Not that you care, but you have zero credibility Scott.

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