USC Shows Pop Against Cornhuskers

The media had a few popular catch phrases to describe USC's 49-31 beat down of Nebraska. You wouldn't know it by the final score, but "beat down" was an appropriate description. It was 42-10 just 10 minutes into the second half.

• "This was a statement game."
• "The Trojans ran over/by/past/away from Nebraska."
• "The offensive line created holes the size of [insert giant object here]."
• "USC answered any questions."
• "Nobody's heard from T.J. Simers and we're starting to get a little worried."

O.K., that last one was made up. The anti-rural columnist, who went to college in the megalopolis of DeKalb, Ill., is just fine. He must be gloating somewhere. Probably not in Nebraska.

It was pretty obvious that USC won big, spread the ball around, and had gaudy rushing statistics (313 rushing yards vs. 31 for Nebraska). It's also accepted that John David Booty didn't have a very impressive performance and that turnovers improved -- marginally. Then there are themes mostly overlooked by the mainstream media:

• The new kickoff rule has hurt the Trojans. Literally. Vincent Joseph and Alfred Rowe both had stretchers come out on different kickoffs (more on them in a moment). This year's kicks have been moved back from the 35 to 30-yard line, meaning more returns and more room for players to pick up speed. It also means that even strong-legged David Buehler had trouble pinning Nebraska. All of his nine kicks were returned, for an average of 21.8 yards. Seven of them were caught within five yards of the goal line. An extra five yards could have resulted in more touchbacks. At this point, the Trojans need as much help as they can get on special teams -- a long-standing weakness.

• USC still needs a triage unit. Lost in the hubbub of a big victory, three more players went down on Saturday. Linebacker Clay Matthews broke his thumb and was replaced by Brian Cushing (who would have been starting if not for a sprained ankle). Alfred Rowe suffered a concussion on kickoff coverage. The Trojans might be setting records in the injury department. Has anybody ever seen an injury write-up look like this: Vincent Joseph (larynx)? Are the Trojans running out of body parts to injure? It was actually scary when Joseph went down. Conflicting reports say he was on the grass for 10 minutes to 20 minutes. If anybody Tivo'd the game, please let us know what your clock showed. It looks like he'll be OK, but he bruised the organ we commonly call the voicebox. Can you say ouch? Better yet, can he?
• The famously friendly fans were feisty. While there's a lot of love out there for Cornhusker Nation, they proved that they aren't afraid to boo their opponent or themselves. One loud round came when Rowe got up from the ground (he didn't need the stretcher that was called for him), and another when Nebraska seemed to be running out the clock.
• Nebraska's D did what it was supposed to. They only had a couple games under their belt, but walking into the game the Cornhuskers were 12th in the nation in pass defense (3rd when it comes to efficiency) and 70th in rushing defense. Statistically, it fit that Booty wasn't very impressive but the running backs had a field day. One good statistic for the Trojans was on the other side of the ball. Nebraska was 14th in the nation in rushing, but only managed 31 yards against USC (in the third quarter that number was still in the single digits).
• Carroll and Callahan must love this game. One reason for the aforementioned boos was that Nebraska tried to run in the middle of a fast-paced chess match between the teams' masterminds. As the first half wound down, the Cornhuskers were content to run the clock but Pete Carroll called a timeout to see if the Trojans could get the ball back. Nebraska wound up punting, but USC was called for roughing the kicker (roughing, gentle nudge, same difference). When the Nebraska got the ball back, Bill Callahan got aggressive and went for the end zone. They even tried the hook n' ladder.
• Rey Maualuga was disconcerting. It had nothing to do with his size, tats, or haircut (the long locks are gone, anyway). He must have been barking something loudly at the Cornhuskers, because he was called for an obscure penalty. From Rule 7-1-5-a-3 of the NCAA football rulebook: No player shall use words or signals that disconcert opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play. No player may call defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of (or otherwise interfere with) offensive starting signals."
• Kyle Moore needs to simma' down now. The defensive end got in trouble earlier (and lost his starting position) for being late to practice. After his impressive game on Saturday, he spoke to the media about this year's national championship game and declared, "If we continue to keep doing that through the season we should be in New Orleans." Very uncharacteristic for a program that preaches one-game-at-a-time.
• USC is undefeated against Nebraska. The Trojans are now 3-0-1 against the Cornhuskers.

Parting thought:

If USC and Notre Dame combine for 70 points in a few weeks, will any be scored by the Irish?

Comments

[SC Fan in NC]

USC was simply awesome, but we need to hold on to those passes as the season progresses. Now Adam, help me here, how many second and third string players got in the game? Coach Carroll was definitely breaking in some new players rather than run up the score. Also, how about the balance of the games...UCLA tanks to Utah, Kentucky pulls out an awesome victory, Alabama knocks off Arkansas with a great end zone pass, and even the Citadel nearly took it to Wisconsin! Awesome football all the way around. Can't wait for this weekend.

[Andrew]

USC is looking good! I think people are being to harsh on Nebraska. Remember what the Trojans did to the Razorbacks last year? Anyone remember what happened after that? That drubbing was the best thing that could have happened to Arkansas, and I think the Huskers will respond the same way. USC looks to be a cut above...but if Nebraska had just tackled (no other way to put it...it wasn't rocket science) the game would have been a lot closer.

[PAT CARTER]

FROM A HUSKER FAN..... I still want to thank all the nice USC fans that i got to meet this last week-end, even though the out come of the game, but it's only a game.... BEST Of LUCK to the USC TROJANS for the rest of the season. My thoughts and prays are with you in rememberance of #19
Just a fan of college football.
Pat Carter