USC vs Utah State: Who Were the Studs and Duds?

USC vs Utah State provided the opportunity for the Trojans to bounce back in Week 2, but a similar cast of characters provided the highlights.

Take two was much more enjoyable for USC, opening the home schedule with a comfortable victory over Utah State.

That was no given since the Aggies had given the Trojans fits when they last met in 2013, when USC squeaked by with a 17-14 win.

Here’s a look at who stood out in the 52-6 USC vs Utah State blowout for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:

Who were the studs?

Michael Pittman: It looked like USC was unraveling in the early goings against Utah State. The Trojan offense stalled on the first drive and starting left tackle Chuma Edoga was ejected by the end of it. USC’s defense managed a stop but the collective frustration in the Coliseum was palpable considering what happened against Alabama.

Cue freshman receiver Michael Pittman, who flew off the line on the Aggie punt attempt and got a hand on the kick. Quinton Powell was able to scoop it up inside the ten yard line, setting up the first USC touchdown of the season.

Though it wasn’t all smooth sailing from there, the special teams contribution from Pittman launched the Trojans towards victory.

Adoree’ Jackson: Adoree’ Jackson was one of the few stars for USC against Alabama and he continued the strong start to his season with another stand out day. He had little to do on defense, tallying two tackles on the kind of quiet day a cornerback should relish. It was when the ball got in his hands on special teams when he reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be.

Jackson’s first touchdown of the season came on a punt return late in the third quarter after the Aggies largely tried to kick away from him. They obviously had good reason to avoid No. 2 as he took the punt off of one bounce and glided through the defense for a 77-yard score.

LISTEN: USC vs. Utah State Recap

Leon McQuay II: Another repeat stud, Leon McQuay II continues to make the most of his new role in the Clancy Pendergast defense.

After last week’s standout performance, McQuay added to his stat line with an interception which gave the Trojans back possession after Max Browne threw one of his own.

In addition, McQuay had four tackles on the day.

JuJu Smith-Schuster: There was plenty of talk leading into the Utah State game about where JuJu Smith-Schuster’s head would be. He had just one catch against Alabama then made headlines when he fought with teammates at practice during the week.

Against Utah State, there was no trace of bad behavior from the junior receiver. He led the Trojans with seven receptions and two touchdowns. He also supplied the hardest hit a receiver might notch this season, brutally blindside blocking a Utah State player at the goal line.

Darreus Rogers: It’s been an up and down career for Darreus Rogers, who continually flashes top-level talent, but continuously struggles with drops and other mental mistakes.

Rogers took a step towards establishing himself as the Trojans No. 2 receiver on Saturday, tying Smith-Schuster’s total of seven catches and while leading the team with 82 yard receiving. Sure, he had a signature drop, but overall the receiver was available for Browne to find him in tight spots and ran hard with purpose for every yard after the catch.