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

Oct 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Ronald Jones II (25) runs in a touchdown against California Golden Bears defensive end Noah Westerfield (33) in the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

USC vs Cal featured a downright dominant performance from the Trojans’ running game. Who stood out the most? Ronald Jones.

USC was expected to do damage against a California defense that ranked 106th in S&P+, but even still, 629 yards was a banner day against the standards set by the Bears’ opponents.

The Trojans’ 451 first half yards were the most by any Pac-12 team this season, and it allowed USC to cruise to a 45-24 victory that wasn’t quite as close as the score indicates.

Here’s a look at who stood out in the victory for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:

Who were the studs?

Ronald Jones:

Thursday was a career night for sophomore running back Ronald Jones, who became just the 18th Trojan ever to amass 200 rushing yards in a game. His 223-yard night on 18 carries is the most by a USC tailback since Allen Bradford had that many in 2010 vs. Washington, and only Reggie Bush and Shawn Walters have ran for more yards in a single game since 1981.

Jones got there by running through gaping holes all night, including a jaunt on his first carry of the game which saw him burst through the left side for a 61-yard gain. His 37-yard score in the third quarter essentially put the game out of reach, and was his second trip to the end zone following a 16-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.

Aca’Cedric Ware:

While Jones will grab the headlines, Ware’s night was just as impressive. The sophomore had a career-high, totaling 130 yards on 20 carries. Ware routinely sprung loose for extra yards, found holes and shimmied in tight quarters as a perfect compliment to Jones. Together, the Texas duo gained 353 of USC’s season-high 398 rushing yards, their most since 2005.

Adoree’ Jackson:

Jackson didn’t score and didn’t force a turnover, but the junior set a record on Thursday night, becoming USC’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards. He entered the game tied with Curtis Conway, and returned a pair for 56 yards. Jackson also added a 32-yard punt return to set up a short field for the Trojans.

Darreus Rogers:

The senior receiver out of Carson put together a solid night as USC’s go-to man. Rogers caught six passes for 97 yards, including two that went for touchdowns. They were the first end zone trips of his season, and it marked the only time of his career he has scored twice.

Sam Darnold:

What is there left to say about Sam Darnold? On a night when USC couldn’t be stopped on the ground, the redshirt freshman quarterback put together his second-straight five-touchdown pass night, to go with an efficient scoreline with 18-of-25 passing for 231 yards and an interception. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Darnold is tied with Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield for the most touchdown passes since September 23rd, when he started for the first time over Max Browne.

Marvell Tell:

After a game to forget against Arizona that was highlighted by a mean stiff arm from Nick Wilson, Tell bounced back in a big way. He had a season-high eight tackles, along with a key first half interception of Davis Webb that allowed the Trojans to build early momentum with a 21-0 lead.