Now That’s More Like It!

Four takeaways from USC’s win over Nevada: Trojans’ defense steps up despite injuries

USC DL Stanley Taufo’ou, 47, celebrates with teammates after picking off a pass thrown by NEV QB Brenton Lewis at the Coliseum Saturday. (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Thuc Nhi Nguyen (LA Times —  USC extended its home win streak to nine consecutive games with a 66-14 rout over Nevada on Saturday at the Coliseum. It didn’t take Lincoln Riley long to start thinking getting the streak to a perfect 10 with conference foe Stanford visiting next.

We took a step this week,” Riley said in his opening statement after the blowout win, “and we got a big one coming up and we gotta continue to take those steps.”

Here are four takeaways from USC’s win:

Got Your Back
USC defenders celebrate after a key tackle against Nevada

From left, Jaylin Smith, Shane Lee, Bryson Shaw and Caleb Bullock celebrate a stop of a NEV RB at the Coliseum Saturday. (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Two inside linebackers wore sweatpants on the sideline. Another was stuck in the locker room after being ejected. And the Trojans still had their best defensive performance against the run in four years.

Linebackers Raesjon Davis and Shane Lee anchored the short-handed defense that held Nevada to 49 yards on 38 carries, the lowest rushing total for a USC opponent since Arizona State’s 47-yard total on Nov. 9, 2019.

Starter Mason Cobb and top reserve Eric Gentry both missed the game with undisclosed injuries that aren’t expected to sideline them long term, Riley said. Freshman Tackett Curtis, who started for the second consecutive game, was ejected for targeting in the second quarter.

Davis, who started in Cobb’s place, had four tackles and shared a tackle for loss. Lee finished with a team-high 10 tackles and one sack after minimal practice time because of an undisclosed injury suffered during preseason camp, but the senior captain showed his maturity by staying engaged with the team so he could help when needed.

“I haven’t been on the field a whole bunch through fall camp, but always taking reps, always asking questions and just always being around the guys, that way you never get away from it,” Lee said. “They’ve done a great job of always keeping me involved so really just a credit to my team and my coaches.”

Secondary Troubles
Nevada receiver John Jackson III catches a pass in front of USC safety Christian Pierce

NEV receiver John Jackson III hauls in a deep throw in front of USC safety Christian Pierce at the Coliseum Saturday.(Ryan Sun / AP)

With transfers Bear Alexander and Jamil Muhammad crashing the pocket and suffocating opposing rushing attacks, USC’s remade defensive front is starting to live up to expectations. The secondary has not followed suit.

Last week, the Trojans gave up three receiving touchdowns to San José State’s Nick Nash — who was a quarterback two seasons ago — then they allowed two passes of 70 yards or more against Nevada. The 77-yard completion to Jamaal Bell and the 73-yarder to Spencer Curtis accounted for 41.7% of Nevada’s 360 total yards.

After dropping an easy interception last week, sophomore cornerback Domani Jackson again missed on a major play, giving up the long pass that set up Nevada’s first touchdown despite running stride-for-stride down the sideline with Curtis. Jackson was also the defender on a converted fourth-and-one at the end of the first half, giving up 10 yards to Keleki Latu and allowing Nevada to attempt a long field goal at the end of the half.

Jackson, the former Mater Dei star who is in his first year as a starter after a knee injury slowed his progression last year, had five tackles and one pass breakup.

Settling Down

USC quarterback Caleb Williams throws a touchdown pass

Caleb Williams throws a sidearm TD pass against NEV at the Coliseum Saturday. (Wally Skalij / LAT)

The Trojans (2-0) appear to be zeroing in on a top offensive line unit. After switching both guard positions on every drive last week, the Trojans kept Jarrett Kingston at right guard on every meaningful drive while alternating between Emmanuel Pregnon and Gino Quinones at left guard until Quinones, a redshirt senior, suffered a leg injury during the first quarter. Pregnon, a transfer from Wyoming, played five of the seven drives after the injury until the coaching staff started clearing the bench. Despite starting against San José State, freshman Alani Noa did not crack the rotation until Quinones’ injury.

Quinones was carted into the locker room and returned to the sideline on crutches with a large brace on his right leg. Riley didn’t have an immediate update on the offensive lineman, saying the team is “keeping our fingers crossed.”

Florida transfer Michael Tarquin played seven of the first nine drives at right tackle with Mason Murphy filling in on two drives, both during the first half.

Pick Your Poison
USC receiver Tahj Washington runs for a touchdown after catching the ball

Tahj Washington runs for a TD after hauling in a pass against NEV at the Coliseum Saturday. (Wally Skalij / LAT)

USC is doing just fine without Jordan Addison.

The Vikings rookie dominated the receiving spotlight for the Trojans last season, but this year’s team is content to thrive on depth. USC had 12 players catch a pass in the season opener and 14 in Saturday’s blowout. No receiver has hauled in more than four catches in a single game.

“This group of receivers is special,” receiver Brenden Rice tweeted after the game. “Anyone can eat at any given moment. What’s even crazier is that any of these guys could be the number 1 receiver at any other school and we all together.”

With two touchdowns Saturday, Tahj Washington has the team-lead in touchdowns with three and 160 yards, but he was most excited to answer a question about blocking downfield for his fellow receivers. The selfless attitude is one of the reasons his teammates would “ride or die” for the transfer from Memphis, quarterback Miller Moss said.

Tahj is just the man. I don’t know how else to put it,” said Moss, who entered late in the third quarter and completed seven of 10 passes for 134 yards and one touchdown. “There’s so many things that you don’t see that he does, whether it’s on special teams, blocking on the perimeter, and it’s no surprise to see him shine the way he does. The dude never complains, never whines about not getting the ball, always does his job at a super, super high level.”

latimes.com

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John Weld
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September 3, 2023 9:49 pm

CONTEST RESULTS FOR WEEK 1 ARE NOW AVAILABLE

TO SEE THE RESULTS PLEASE GO TO THE CONTEST POST BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING LINK.

CLICK HERE FOR WEEK 1 RESULTS

Chris
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September 5, 2023 6:45 am

Anyone else notice that when Moss is in the game the offense gets in a normal rhythm? By no means am I saying Moss over Caleb. That’s crazy talk. But, I think Caleb is so good that he might not take the easy plays when they are there.

Steveg
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September 5, 2023 8:30 am
Reply to  Chris

I guess you could call it a normal rhythm and yes I kind of noticed a little more regimented play. With Moss the ball generally goes as designed.

Golden Trojan
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September 4, 2023 10:03 pm

So Clemson doesn’t look to be all that. Best they can be is to cannibalize the rest of the ACC.

Steveg
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September 5, 2023 8:27 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

If they can do that. They look slow and confused and not to well enthused.

Steveg
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September 4, 2023 8:47 pm

I find it hard to believe that Utah is only favored by 7.5 points. Baylor lost their starting Qb, outside linebacker, and starting safety. Also Oregon a 6.5 favorite over TTech is hard to understand. Tech just lost to Wyoming. Bet the farm!!

Rock2112
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September 4, 2023 8:43 pm

In the general interest category, I saw Mike Bohn jogging through my neighborhood this afternoon (second such Bohn sighting for me). He was wearing an SC shirt. I guess there are no hard feelings. So Fight On, MB, I guess!

USC1988
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September 4, 2023 9:47 pm
Reply to  Rock2112

Did u see his buyout ! damn right there were no hard feelings

John Weld
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September 4, 2023 10:38 pm
Reply to  Rock2112

Also in the general interest category…….
Kedon Slovis is the starting QB for BYU
JT Daniels is the starting QB for Rice

ATL D.D.S.
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September 5, 2023 6:02 am
Reply to  John Weld

the wandering quarterbacks. the modern equivalent of the epic poems the Illiad and the Odessey and the Canterbury Tales…..

Rock2112
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September 4, 2023 2:11 pm

I have been very critical of Brian Kelly as a coach. I have said this before and got push-back here, but hear me out. I just am not impressed. He is a hothead who doesn’t seem to make very good play-calling choices in games. But most importantly, he is a jerk and his players end up hating him if they don’t start out that way. He throws his players under the bus every time something goes wrong. Emblematic of that is how he said in his post-game presser last night that the loss falls 100 percent on him … because… Read more »

Steveg
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September 4, 2023 2:51 pm
Reply to  Rock2112

Nice rant, I tend to agree.

volunteerTrojan
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September 4, 2023 4:00 pm
Reply to  Rock2112

Totally agree, thought the same for years about BK. Never have been able to figure out why media is so enamored with him.

volunteerTrojan
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September 4, 2023 7:48 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Oh my, about as unflattering as possible. This is a good pic for one of those “caption this” exercises.

RialtoTrojan
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September 4, 2023 8:18 am

We came home early last night because Labor Day plans were put aside when my son tested positive for Covid. I watched the local news sports report. First the reporter kept saying the PAC 12 is 13 and Oh for week one. It was interesting to see all 12 won their season opener, but there are only twelve teams in the PAC. It took a while to realize the reporter was lumping week zero into the mix. That’s why USC is legitimately number one in the PAC 12 and has listed themselves as such on their schedule. An article in… Read more »

Steveg
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September 4, 2023 8:47 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Raleek is a short receiver, and a running back that can’t block. What do ya do with a player like that? These days just about every WR is 6′ or better. Lemon being the exception.

USC1988
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September 4, 2023 12:43 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Lemon is a holy terror .. that kid is going to be something
A real football that will be awarded w/ TD targets due to his tough blocking and play

TrojanRJJ
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September 4, 2023 12:03 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Rialto, I think ATL DDS nailed this one is a post below. Recruiting is a very difficult game. Has a kid maxxed out in HS or can he grow in college? Corey Foreman clearly maxed out in HS – my guess is he now pretty much now the same player he was his JR in HS. Looks to be the same with Rayleek. He appears to have maxed out in HS. As ATL DDS says below, his max ability was reached when he could neither (1) pass block nor (2) break tackles. The true frosh from TX (#21 – Joiner)… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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September 4, 2023 2:40 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

gosh, thanks for noticing, RJJ!🤓

Steveg
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September 4, 2023 7:38 am

We can say for sure LSU is dropping. Will tOHS and Mich drop at all? Can USC move up? Here comes FL St dropping into there somewhere. The PAC will be we represented in this poll as every team won. What a way to start the final season.

HOF19
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September 3, 2023 8:04 pm

When The AP announces the update this week of the AP Poll gonna be some changes I’m thinking .

usc50
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September 4, 2023 6:45 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Pac12 looks like one of the best football power 5 conferences.
And it is the same in basketball.
It is amazing how Larry Scott could have ruined a great product.
At a time when there was opportunity for growth he led it to
destruction.
Sorry had to gripe when see the picture.

Rock2112
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September 4, 2023 3:59 pm
Reply to  usc50

Larry Scott didn’t do anything the leadership of its member universities didn’t let him do. He’s an idiot, but he was allowed to be an idiot.

SC Gator
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September 4, 2023 7:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

What about FSU? They were #8 and thumped #5. They have to replace LSU in the top 5. No way for SC to move up this week.

Steveg
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September 4, 2023 8:50 am
Reply to  SC Gator

Do they surpass USC with 2 wins or go to 6? I really dislike these early polls.

Chris
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Chris
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September 3, 2023 8:01 pm

Not a great weekend for the mighty SEC. LSU, Florida, and South Carolina were only schools with real matchups, all three got crushed.

HOF19
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September 3, 2023 7:49 pm

Whomever the LSU DC is don’t consider him as a candidate (If at some point we need a DC ).

ATL D.D.S.
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September 4, 2023 1:39 am
Reply to  HOF19

And Brian Kelly don’t play–he might make a midseason change in staff. He will do this kind of radical change in a New York minute. His late run success at ND came after he totally cleaned house (or nearly so) with his coaching staff,replacing more than a majority, as i recall….

USC1988
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September 4, 2023 12:44 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Kelly is a quitter when things get tough

volunteerTrojan
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September 4, 2023 4:07 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

How many times can a HC clean house and still fail to win the biggest games until the HC has to take the blame for the failures?

ATL D.D.S.
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September 4, 2023 7:42 pm

One would think that the HC might ask just that type of question, VT, unless the HC lives by a very long river in Egypt….

volunteerTrojan
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September 4, 2023 8:30 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

😅

HOF19
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September 3, 2023 7:46 pm

Do all Sec Teams tackle as bad as LSU ?????

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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September 3, 2023 7:43 pm

Looks like Brian Kelly will be losing his opener.

HOF19
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September 3, 2023 7:27 pm

In late June some Reporters for some Local NY Newpapers reported a “Rumored” Hint of the 2023 Pre-season AP Poll and that rumored Poll had Florida State # 4 in the AP Poll Top 25 . Maybe that is where they belong (and not #8) ?

Trojan5
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September 3, 2023 7:00 pm

A question for TDB members. Are you impacted by the Disney- Charter dispute? Curious as to how many and how far reaching the dispute is impacting our gang of Trojan fans. I live in Portland and my ESPN coverage has not been interrupted.

Steveg
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September 3, 2023 7:25 pm
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I have dish, no problems

RialtoTrojan
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September 3, 2023 9:07 pm
Reply to  Trojan5

I had spectrum /charter and they advertise that there are no contracts. When the raised our rates after getting into one these disputes, we quit them. Our deal was pay in advance, even though we cancelled in advance they sent collection agency after collection agency after me. Every time they would accept a copy of the receipt for the equipment I returned. I would never accept spectrum again.

Trojan5
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September 4, 2023 9:16 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Fortunately, I have not had any problems with my cable company. Except for the yearly price increase. lol

TrojanMPA90
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September 3, 2023 5:24 pm

I just saw on Twitter or X as it is now known that Raleek Brown is going to redshirt this season. That comes from his father but waiting to hear an official confirmation from CLR.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 3, 2023 6:52 pm
Reply to  TrojanMPA90

Also a rumor now going around he is looking at Oregon. Nothing substantiated, just a rumor. If he redshirts he can still play in up to 4 games.

ATL D.D.S.
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September 3, 2023 7:40 pm
Reply to  TrojanMPA90

Unfortunately, his freshman season shortcomings (inability to block from the running back position or to break tackles) has turned out to be his ceiling. He brings nothing of note to the best wide receiver room in college football. His probable transfer just shows the incredible talent upgrades LR has accomplished in two seasons at USC.

volunteerTrojan
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September 4, 2023 6:09 am
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

No blocky, no rocky.

TrojanRJJ
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September 3, 2023 10:54 am

Give it another week, but if CO smokes NE in Boulder (and I think that is likely), SC will have the most difficult schedule in the nation: we play CO in Boulder, we play ND in South Bend, we play Oregon in Autzen, and then at home we play WA, Utah, and UCLA. All these teams appear to be top 25 teams. All these teams have elite QBs (except maybe UCLA, but assuming Moore becomes the starter, he will have 10 games under his belt when SC plays UCLA and Moore appeared to me to have huge upside). In addition,… Read more »

USC1988
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September 3, 2023 9:25 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

SC leads the nation in playing vs 25 year old qbs

Golden Trojan
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September 3, 2023 10:51 am

I thought Yogi Roth was in good form on the broadcast. I liked his quote “If I’m even, I’m leaving”. Meaning if I’m even with the defender down field, I’m gone for a big play, especially if the defender is forward on his toes(as Anthony Beavers was). I bet there will be on air talent with the P12 Network that move over to Big 10 and 12 broadcasts next season. Those Networks should want guys that know the Pac12 teams coming over.

USC1988
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September 3, 2023 9:26 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Yogi is a d bag

TrojanRJJ
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September 3, 2023 10:47 am

In watching the Saturday games, one has to wonder just HOW the PAC leadership managed to destroy this league. In it last year, the PAC will have the most exciting football league in the country, the best group of QBs in the nation, and probably has as many as 7 of the top 25 teams in the nation. It is clearly the deepest conference in the nation. It is far deeper than the SEC or the B1G. If CO smokes NE next week (likely to highly likely), it appears that the PAC has about 6 teams that could compete for… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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September 3, 2023 3:17 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

one of the other games i watched yesteyday, the color commentator pointed out that the PAC’s demise was completely self inflicted, repeatedly scheduling games to air starting at 10:30 or 11:00pm eastern time. The powers that ran the conference of champions were apparently idiots for not playing early games like at 12 noon or earlier. they also pointed out that the marquee player of the conference performed on the rarely seen Pac-12 Network for the 2nd week in a row….

Steveg
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September 3, 2023 3:43 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Doc, you are preaching to the choir. We all have a pretty unanimous opinion of the idiots that ran the conference of champions.

Steveg
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September 3, 2023 3:45 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

I will always love calling out the names of those that destroyed the Pac12, and I hope they are haunted the rest of their miserable lives.

RialtoTrojan
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September 3, 2023 9:34 am

That’s more like it indeed. The defense looked much more serviceable this week, although everyone is going to point out the mistakes, I saw some nice improvements in schemes yesterday. If everyone just did their job, the defense would be a stout unit. Someone I saw on the sidelines yesterday intrigued me. The assistant defensive coordinator seemed to be running the unit, while Grinch was communicating with the booth. I wonder if that is going to be a trend going forward. Last week I was really ready to assign Grinch to special teams because he’s such a special coach, but… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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September 3, 2023 10:15 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

The secondary is the weak link, especially Domani Jackson. There were several plays the Nevada QB and receivers didn’t complete that a good team will. I’m afraid Jackson is going to give up a big play that will lose a game or two. Coaches should be thinking of replacing him but I’m not sure with who. Maybe a WR might want to move over to the other side, but they all a great receivers.

Steveg
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September 3, 2023 11:17 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

How about CRW. Wallace locked it down in the second half when he got to finally play. Domani is a liability right now on defense.

Chris
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Chris
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September 3, 2023 12:07 pm
Reply to  Steveg

He whiffed on the int attempt on first drive. He was all over his guy and then let the ball go right through his hands. He should’ve just broke it up. He will learn from that.