Here’s the grades for last weekend’s game.
RESULT: NO. 3 USC 28, WASHINTON STATE 22.
RECORD: 4-0, 2-0.
WEEK 4 GPA: 2.4.
QUARTERBACK
Whatever else is going on with the offense, John David Booty is running things more smoothly than a lot of observers expected. Not perfect by any means, but hes actually played better than Matt Leinart in his first four games.
B+
RUNNING BACKS
Emmanuel Moody never got enough carries to make a huge impression (save one long run) while Chauncey Washington showed glimpses of promise but nothing extraordinary.
C+
WIDE RECEIVERS
Steve Smith was probably the happiest player in the country, especially without another go-to guy in the offense. His 186 yards receiving was the ninth-best all-time performance. Patrick Turners fumble prevents a straight A.
A-
OFFENSIVE LINE
They had their hands full with Washington State defensive ends Lance Broadus and Mkristo Bruce (three sacks total) but also gave Booty enough time on key pass plays.
B-
DEFENSIVE LINE
Washington State quarterback Alex Brink never got sacked. Part of that was moving him around the field, the other part was a non-existent pass rush.
D+
LINEBACKERS
With the Trojans sitting in their base defense, there were not a lot of highlight play opportunities for Rey Maualuga. Maybe some blitzes would have taken pressure off the defensive line.
C+
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The first true test was met with mixed results. Some pass interference penalties and an inability to cover Michael Bumpus were red flags for future Pac-10 opponents.
C-
SPECIAL TEAMS
Imagine the outcome if Desmond Reeds fumble on a punt return or Allen Bradfords fumble on a kick return were recovered by Washington State? Punter Greg Woidneck deserves praise for catching a high snap near the end of the game.
C-
COACHING
With the defense so hyped following the first three games, USC chose to sit back and play it safe against Washington State instead of pressuring the quarterback. Ultimately, it worked, because the Trojans won. But it was a risky maneuver.
C+