USC and UCLA will play for the Pac-12 South title at the Rose Bowl next Saturday.
Click here for the recap and final stats.
Click here for the post-game press conference with Lane Kiffin, Matt Barkley, Curtis McNeal and T.J. McDonald.
Playoff Victory
The Trojans won round one of what is basically a three-game tournament to decide the Pac-12 championship. "It was like an NFL feel of a playoff," said Lane Kiffin about round one against ASU. "We got one down and now we've got another one next week." Despite three losses and few national believers, USC controls its own Rose Bowl destiny. "We have a goal and no doubt that we can achieve it," said Matt Barkley.
Return of the D
After Oregon embarrassed USC's defense last week, the Trojans responded by forcing four turnovers, seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. The Sun Devils only scored on short fields after turnovers and a pick-six. "The storyline would be the defense. We were very aggressive and the players really got after the ball today creating turnovers," said Kiffin. T.J. McDonald led a unit that showed a lot of pride today. "It's been rough because we know what type of defense we have," the All-American safety said. "This was a big game for us to get our swag back." Lamar Dawson (11 tackles and an INT), Leonard Williams (1 sack, 2 TFLs and an INT), Morgan Breslin (1.5 sacks) and McDonald (7 tackles and an INT) were the standouts.
#BELEEVE
Marqise Lee had an allergic reaction before the game, which caused his face to swell and led to exhaustion. "I was really about to the point of thinking there is some really bad karma going on this week," Kiffin told the media the story. "I'm going, 'This really can't be happening right now.'" Apparently, nothing can slow down Lee, who accounted for 227 yards (161 receiving and 66 rushing) and a TD. Barkley endorsed Lee's candidacy for the Heisman Trophy, "He is every bit deserving. He's done some tremendous things this year with the ball as a receiver, as a kick returner and across the board."
Turnover Fest
The first half was not pretty football, especially offensively, and the five turnovers had the Coliseum groaning. Matt Barkley tied a career high with three interceptions. "I'm pleased with the win...but you never want that to happen," said Barkley. "You never want those picks. It's some weird situations and we just got to make sure they don't happen again."
In the Moody
With Silas Redd out due to an undisclosed injury, Curtis McNeal carried the load with 164 yards on 31 rush attempts. He scored three touchdowns, including a 22-yard scamper on a rare traditional running back screen. "I just prepared myself throughout the week of practice and I was ready to compete with my team," said McNeal. The running back's performance gives great credit to the offensive line, which only gave up one negative run.
Where's Woody
Robert Woods was held to two catches for -3 yards. Barkley just missed him on a big play over the middle, and he had a touchdown called back due to an offensive pass interference. Woods has always been a selfless player, but he wants to produce more than he has been. "He's human. You play receiver; you want the ball. It's nothing negative. He was just a little bit down," said Kiffin.
Extra-Point...
Kiffin on the game ball controversy: "It's been a long two weeks. I felt bad about that for all 'SC people. It was an unfortunate situation what happened with the ball deal."
(Photos by John McGillen)
Here is Curtis "Moody" McNeal on his big night...
Click here for the recap and final stats.
Click here for the post-game press conference with Lane Kiffin, Matt Barkley, Curtis McNeal and T.J. McDonald.
Playoff Victory
The Trojans won round one of what is basically a three-game tournament to decide the Pac-12 championship. "It was like an NFL feel of a playoff," said Lane Kiffin about round one against ASU. "We got one down and now we've got another one next week." Despite three losses and few national believers, USC controls its own Rose Bowl destiny. "We have a goal and no doubt that we can achieve it," said Matt Barkley.Return of the D
After Oregon embarrassed USC's defense last week, the Trojans responded by forcing four turnovers, seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. The Sun Devils only scored on short fields after turnovers and a pick-six. "The storyline would be the defense. We were very aggressive and the players really got after the ball today creating turnovers," said Kiffin. T.J. McDonald led a unit that showed a lot of pride today. "It's been rough because we know what type of defense we have," the All-American safety said. "This was a big game for us to get our swag back." Lamar Dawson (11 tackles and an INT), Leonard Williams (1 sack, 2 TFLs and an INT), Morgan Breslin (1.5 sacks) and McDonald (7 tackles and an INT) were the standouts.
#BELEEVE
Marqise Lee had an allergic reaction before the game, which caused his face to swell and led to exhaustion. "I was really about to the point of thinking there is some really bad karma going on this week," Kiffin told the media the story. "I'm going, 'This really can't be happening right now.'" Apparently, nothing can slow down Lee, who accounted for 227 yards (161 receiving and 66 rushing) and a TD. Barkley endorsed Lee's candidacy for the Heisman Trophy, "He is every bit deserving. He's done some tremendous things this year with the ball as a receiver, as a kick returner and across the board."
Turnover Fest
The first half was not pretty football, especially offensively, and the five turnovers had the Coliseum groaning. Matt Barkley tied a career high with three interceptions. "I'm pleased with the win...but you never want that to happen," said Barkley. "You never want those picks. It's some weird situations and we just got to make sure they don't happen again." In the Moody
With Silas Redd out due to an undisclosed injury, Curtis McNeal carried the load with 164 yards on 31 rush attempts. He scored three touchdowns, including a 22-yard scamper on a rare traditional running back screen. "I just prepared myself throughout the week of practice and I was ready to compete with my team," said McNeal. The running back's performance gives great credit to the offensive line, which only gave up one negative run.
Where's Woody
Robert Woods was held to two catches for -3 yards. Barkley just missed him on a big play over the middle, and he had a touchdown called back due to an offensive pass interference. Woods has always been a selfless player, but he wants to produce more than he has been. "He's human. You play receiver; you want the ball. It's nothing negative. He was just a little bit down," said Kiffin.
Extra-Point...
Kiffin on the game ball controversy: "It's been a long two weeks. I felt bad about that for all 'SC people. It was an unfortunate situation what happened with the ball deal."
(Photos by John McGillen)
Here is Curtis "Moody" McNeal on his big night...
Leave a comment