USC vs Utah State: Who Were the Studs and Duds?

Mar 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (70) at spring practice at Cromwell Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Who were the duds?

Chuma Edoga: Another game, another Trojan ejected for lashing out unnecessarily. Last week it was Jabari Ruffin, who stomped an Alabama player in the groin. This week, it was starting left tackle Chuma Edoga, who shoved a ref and was ejected on the first drive of the game.

Edoga’s actions were potentially disastrous — but thankfully held no bearing on the result of the match — as USC’s depth at tackle is no sure thing. The young player put teammate Chad Wheeler in a rough position, forced back into a full game of action when the intention had been to ease him into more action this week.

The Trojans were already missing Toa Lobendahn, who was ruled out for the season after tearing ligaments in his knee last week. An ejection was the last thing the USC line needed.

The USC Offensive Line: A repeat offender on the duds list, the Trojan offensive line just can’t seem to click. There’s some room for leeway with the group, considering Lobendahn’s injury and Edoga’s ejection, but this group was touted as one of the nation’s finest in part because of the overall depth available. Injuries and absences are hollow excuses for another lackluster performance.

Browne was sacked on key third downs with little resistance and the Trojan running backs ended up in feast or famine situations too often in the early goings.

Utah State’s defensive front has been reasonably competitive over the last few years, but they are far from the most difficult unit USC will face in the trenches this season. Concern is warranted.

Offensive Efficiency: The Trojans scored 45 points, so something obviously went right. However, the team was 7-of-13 on third downs and entered half time with plenty of work to do on offense.

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Adoree’ Jackson’s punt return touchdown contributed to the score, as did the blocked punt which set up the first USC touchdown.

Considering the plethora of dangerous weapons the Trojans boast, it shouldn’t feel quite so labored to get the ball in the endzone.

The Kickers: Consider it a positive for USC that Matt Boemeester makes the dud list having missed one of his two attempts on the day. Utah State’s Brock Warren missed his one attempt while punter Aaron Dalton had one kick blocked. USC’s Chris Tilbey fared better, but still didn’t get the kind of distance he might have wanted on his kicks.

It just wasn’t a great day for the kickers at the Coliseum.