USC vs Oregon: Who Were The Studs and Duds?

Nov 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Ronald Jones II (25) celebrates with Southern California Trojans center Nico Falah (74) after scoring on a 66-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It was once again the Ronald Jones II show at the Coliseum as USC vs Oregon supplied more highlight opportunities for Jones and the Trojans.

USC began November on the right foot at the Coliseum on Saturday night, downing the Oregon Ducks in comfortable fashion.

Though the Ducks are known for scoring in bunches, making no lead safe, the Trojans were able put up points of their own without conceding ground to Oregon until it was too late.

Here’s a look at who stood out in the 45-20 victory for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:

Who were the studs?

Ronald Jones II:

The Texas Tesla set his career high in rushing yardage last week. This week, he set his career high in touchdowns with four scores and 171 yards.

With Justin Davis and Aca’Cedric Ware sitting out due to injury, Jones was USC’s primary back and lived up to that billing. He broke off several long runs, including a 66-yard touchdown to start the third quarter.

Porter Gustin:

Though he drew an illegal hands to the face penalty early, Gustin made up for that indescretion with a handful of massive plays for the Trojan defense.

Gustin tipped two passes behind the line of scrimmage to stop Justin Herbert’s screen attempts. One of those prevented a fourth down conversion in the third quarter. Soon after, the sophomore burst through for a five-yard tackle for loss to help stall another Oregon drive.

The Tight Ends:

The trio of Taylor McNamara, Tyler Petite and Daniel Imatorbhebhe combined for seven catches on the night, including a couple of highlight plays.

First Imatorbhebhe somehow secured a deflected pass, concentrating to reach back with one hand to complete the catch before turning upfield. That play set up a pass from a rolling Sam Darnold to Taylor McNamara, who scooted into the endzone to pull ahead 38-13.

Young Receivers:

Deontay Burnett was Darnold’s favorite target on the night, hauling in seven catches for 87 yard and a touchdown. Behind him, Michael Pittman grabbed four passes for 61 yards and laid the key block on McNamara’s touchdown.

The two young receivers led all Trojans in yards and catches, signalling a growing comfort-level with Darnold, one which should yield great results for USC in the future.