Midseason Report Card
Here's the grades at the midway point for USC.
USC MIDSEASON REPORT CARD
QB
Matt Barkley's thrown 20 touchdown passes and four interceptions. If it wasn't for Pete Carroll's hype last year, no one would expect more.
Grade: B+
RB
Some good performances from Marc Tyler and Allen Bradford but ground game disappeared in Stanford loss. Freshman Dillon Baxter being in Lane Kiffin's doghouse removed a dynamic weapon.
Grade: C+
WR
Ronald Johnson leads team in receiving but said he's been ``average,'' so far. Freshman Robert Woods is the revelation and should dominate for at least two more years.
Grade: B
OL
It might be that Barkley's better because the pass protection (seven sacks in seven games) allowed him to thrive. On the other hand, the run-blocking is inconsistent and need to improve in final six games.
Grade: B-
DL
Nose guard Jurrell Casey looks ready for the NFL with his play so far. Injuries to Nick Perry and Wes Horton took a toll, however, and made the unit only slightly better than ordinary.
Grade: C+
LB
Some tackling issues here (of course) and problems being out of position. Those three penalties (two by Michael Morgan, one by Chris Galippo) were crucial against Stanford.
Grade: D
DB
As Lane Kiffin said this week, it's not Matt Barkley's fault the secondary could not tackle against Washington or Stanford.
Grade: D-
ST
USC's improved in many areas, including punt and kick returns. But the fact remains a missed field goal against Washington is the signature image of the season.
Grade: C
Coaching
Nothing else stands out more than losing to mediocre Washington at home. Unless you consider the fact no one coached the defense to tackle or line up properly on plays in nearly every game.
C-
I'd generally give slightly higher grades to the offense in each category. I'd also boost the overall coaching grade somewhat with the obvious offense and defense distinction. Unfortunately, defensive grades are pretty much on the mark in my book. Critical year for recruiting at OL and LB will shape the outlook for next few years as the PC regime left the cupboard bare at those positions.
If Barkley completes those 2 passes against Washington, his grading is an A
Fair Grades Wolfie. Although I think Barkley and the receivers are near closer to A grades with every game.