USC vs Alabama: Who Were the Studs and Duds?

USC vs Alabama was a blowout of embarrassing proportions with the Tide trouncing the Trojans at AT&T Stadium, 52-6. Who stood out and who fell short?

It’s not hard to find duds on a night when USC capitulates like the Trojans did in Arlington, Texas. Of course, finding studs among the Tide is much easier than perusing USC’s ranks for positive stand outs.

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

Who were the studs?

Lane Kiffin: The former USC head coach got his revenge. And he didn’t hold back an ounce.

Now the Tide offensive coordinator, Kiffin didn’t exactly have his offense flying out the gates, but after the first quarter he rallied and figured out the way to break down USC’s defense.

Big play after big play came, well into the fourth quarter, and Alabama came away with 45 offensive points on a night when the Trojan defense was the lone bright spot.

Adoree’ Jackson: Jackson’s defensive stat line wasn’t much to write home about, just four tackles on the night. However, on defense and special teams he was one of the few players who could leave the field with his head held high.

On four kick returns he had 112 yards including one for 40 yards.

He broke up a deep pass over the middle and, most impressively, ran down Alabama running back Damien Harris twice to prevent long rushing touchdowns.

LISTEN: Postgame Carcast After USC vs. Alabama

Leon McQuay II: USC’s surprisingly stout defensive display in the early goings was headlined by the contributions of safety Leon McQuay, who looked at home in USC’s nickel package.

He joined Michael Hutchings for a sack, had a tackle for loss on Calvin Ridley and broke up a pass on a slant on a third-and-six.

Michael Hutchings: After receiving the captaincy for his senior season and locking in a starting job at inside linebacker, Hutchings repaid the faith of his coaches and teammates with a third down sack on Alabama’s first drive. He added a tackle for loss and another half sack later in the game.