USC vs ASU 2016: Who Were the Studs and Duds?

Oct 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) and wide receiver Darreus Rogers (back) during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Back home at the Coliseum, the Trojans were back in good form as USC vs ASU turned into a blowout featuring Sam Darnold, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Justin Davis.

USC entered Week 5 with some big things to prove. The first, that they have indeed made strides this season despite the 1-3 record.

The second, that they could still compete to repeat as Pac-12 South division champions.

Misson accomplished on both scores as an offensive explosion and stiffling defensive performance from USC stopped the Sun Devils’ in their tracks.

Here’s a look at who stood out in the 41-20 win for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:

Who were the studs?

Justin Davis: The senior running back was electric last week against Utah and showed no signs of letting up against ASU. Davis had 123 yards on 14 carries with a 37-yard touchdown and several more long runs on the night. He averaged 8.8 yards per carry.

Sam Darnold: Making his Coliseum debut as a starter, Darnold shone bright under the lights. The second-time starter threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns on a night when his rhythm guided the Trojans to victory. Despite pressure from the ASU defense, Darnold was especially effective getting out of trouble with his legs and throwing on the run.

JuJu Smith-Schuster: Smith-Schuster is back. After a rough start to the 2016 season, the junior receiver showed off his dangerous playmaking ability with seven receptions and 123 yards, catching all three of Darnold’s touchdown passes. The first two were short, but effective completions. The third, however, was all about Smith-Schuster, who took a quick pass in the flat, stiff armed a defensive back, turned up field, then cut across a line of ASU defenders 67-yards on his way to the endzone.

Deontay Burnett: It was a career night for Burnett, who emerged as one of Darnold’s favorite targets. He matched Smith-Schuster with seven catches and finished with 93 yards receiving. Among those catches were impressive grabs in tight spaces and a long completion on a botched fleaflicker.

Jonathan Lockett: Settling into his role as USC’s primary nickel cornerback, Lockett was a vision on defense for the Trojans. He tied Adoree’ Jackson for the lead in tackles on the night with five, while adding a half tackle for loss, his first career interception and another impressive pass deflection.

Clancy Pendergast: The last time Pendergast faced ASU, they blasted the Trojans for 62 points. On Saturday, they managed 20 — with the help of two touchdowns against USC back ups after the game had been decided.

The Trojan defensive coordinator utilized a variet of blitz packages to fluster ASU QB Manny Wilkins and made greater use of substitutions with excellent results.