Here’s the grades for the USC-Arizona game.
RESULT: NO. 13 USC 20, ARIZONA 13.
RECORD: 5-1, 3-1.
WEEK 6 GPA: C-.
QUARTERBACK
Mark Sanchez survived his first start and thats about all USC could ask for. Hes not going to be a savior following John David Bootys disappointing start but he does provide an emotional lift. Cut down the turnovers and its not a bad performance.
C-
RUNNING BACKS
This shows you how bad the running games been without Stafon Johnson. Joe McKnight gained 16 yards in 12 carries but with that 59-yard run everyone is celebrating. Will this finally force the coaches to play him more?
D+
WIDE RECEIVERS
For a change Patrick Turner caused someone else to drop a pass when he stripped the ball on the interception. Everyone wanted the tight end to be a bigger part of the offense, just not the whole offense.
C-
OFFENSIVE LINE
With four starters from opening day out, including three-time All-American Sam Baker, it was a courageous if sometimes challenging effort. Butch Lewis played after taking no snaps with the offense last week.
C
DEFENSIVE LINE
All week they heard Arizonas offensive line was below average but quarterback Willie Tuitama got sacked once. At least the Wildcats could not run the ball.
C+
LINEBACKERS
On too many plays, it looked like a linebacker was chasing someone downfield after a catch. They better hope Rey Maualuga comes back this week and right now hes questionable.
C-
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Pete Carroll said he wasnt worried about Arizonas passing because it was all short, underneath routes. But he still changed the coverages to man-to-man, so apparently something wasnt working right.
C-
SPECIAL TEAMS
Joe McKnights 45-yard punt return rescued the Trojans from a possible loss much like Reggie Bushs zig-zagging punt return against Stanford in 2004.
C+
COACHING
USC beats a mediocre team by four points and Pete Carroll calls it a “sweet game. Yes, there are injuries but did the Trojans look prepared for Arizonas passing attack or have a clue on which running backs should be playing? Theres an aura of confidence missing and it starts at the top.
D-