USC-Nebraska Report Card

Here’s the grades for the USC-Nebraska game.

RESULT: NO. 1 USC 49, NO. 14 NEBRASKA 31.
RECORD: 2-0.
WEEK 2 GPA: 2.62.

QUARTERBACK

Pete Carroll blamed the dropped passes but there were also tipped balls and near interceptions from John David Booty. That Heisman campaign sputtered out of the gate.

B-

RUNNING BACKS

OK, the holes were big enough to drive a tractor through a Nebraska cornfield, but Stafon Johnson still made the most of his chances. And Joe McKnight keeps showing a resemblance to Reggie Bush in the fumble dept.

A-

WIDE RECEIVERS

Patrick Turner dropped passes all night in his first game of the season but no one else reminded anyone of Dwayne Jarrett or Steve Smith, who are becoming distant memories.

C-

OFFENSIVE LINE

Maybe Nebraska misread the plays but when you rush for 313 yards its a stellar night. Kris ODowd looks like a four-year starter.

A

DEFENSIVE LINE

No one is using a tired nickname like Wild Bunch III, but Kyle Moore, Lawrence Jackson and Sedrick Ellis all made plays to prove this is the defenses true strength spot, not linebacker.

A

LINEBACKERS

Thomas Williams drew praise from Pete Carroll after filling in for Clay Matthews, who filled in for Brian Cushing. No penalties on Rey Maualuga at this spot.

B

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Now we know why Josh Pinkards injury is so critical. Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller found weak spots throughout the game and it seemed like wide receiver Maurice Purify was always open.

D+

SPECIAL TEAMS

How many returns can one team fumble? Not to mention having 10 men on the field for an extra point or getting a “disconcerting penalty to set up Nebraskas first touchdown. Enough already.

F

COACHING

Nebraska never figured out USCs running schemes but the true genius is Pete Carrolls ability to go into hostile stadiums (Auburn, Arkansas, Nebraska) and not only win, but win big. Points deducted for special teams.

B