USC vs Washington 2016: Who Were The Studs and Duds?

It was a night for career-best performances for USC vs Washington, as the Trojans completed the upset of the No. 4 Huskies with stellar defense and an outstanding QB.

Oddsmakers made Washington a touchdown favorite. Pundits unanimously picked the Huskies to dispatch the Trojans. But USC got the last laugh as they went into Husky Stadium and spoiled Washington’s season.

It took a balanced and controlled performance from the Trojans. They took control early and maintained their advantage thanks to a composed young quarterback and an attacking defensive front.

Here’s a look at who stood out in the 26-13 victory for all the right reasons and all the wrong reasons:

Who were the studs?

Porter Gustin:

One of a few Trojan defenders who had the best games of their USC career, Gustin was a problem the Washington offensive line could not figure out how to handle. He had two sacks on the night, a pass break up and a couple more disruptive plays by simply getting in Jake Brownings face.

Rasheem Green:

Joining Gustin in the career-night category, Green had a monster game against the Huskies. He broke through for a sack, batted a key pass down on third down in the fourth quarter and proved a handful for UW from start to finish. Green was also a difference-maker on special teams, blocking a Husky field goal attempt.

Stevie Tu’ikolovatu:

At a certain point, it might be more efficient to name USC’s entire defensive front as the studs of the victory over Washington. Tu’ikolovatu made his mark by drawing a holding penalty — and warranting many more flags with his powerful pass rush.

Sam Darnold:

The Trojan quarterback finished with 287 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions on 23-of-33 passing. That stat line doesn’t do Darnold’s performance justice. After throwing an admittedly bad interception, Darnold proved his elite status against a top-level defense. He was composed in a hostile enviroment. He was strong. He was accurate. He extended plays. He was exceptional.

Darreus Rogers:

Slowly but surely, Rogers has come into his own and now stands as one of USC’s most reliable receivers. The senior led all USC receivers with six catches, 84 yards and a touchdown. Not only was he reliable for the Trojans in Seattle, he came up with pivotal plays when it mattered. His catch on third-and-ten late in the fourth quarter as USC sought to run out the clock on the Huskies settled the game.

Adoree’ Jackson:

More on Jackson later, but it is hard to overlook a player who ends the game with two interceptions. His first came on the back of Darnold’s own misguided pick. His second sealed the victory. He also had a pass break up. Even so…