Here’s James Santelli’s recap of Saturday’s game [9], an unfortunate loss to the USC Trojans, 38-17. Of course, the game was overshadowed by the larger news that Syracuse will defect to the Atlantic Coast Conference [10].
The Orange had no answer for Matt Barkley [11], who threw for a whopping 324 yards and five touchdowns in the victory. Barkley opened the game by completing his first five passes and had three touchdowns throws that were longer than 30 yards.
For all the hype surrounding Robert Woods’ [12] performance, the star receiver “only” had eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, five different players from USC had over 40 yards receiving, including Woods.
The run defense can be proud of its performance against Marc Tyler [13], holding the running back to just 41 yards on the game. Unfortunately, Curtis McNeal [14] ran for 79 yards against the defense on a mere five carries.
Wide receiver Alec Lemon [15]has quietly been putting together a solid resume this year. The junior is only nine catches and 180 yards away from setting career-highs in both categories.
Tight end Nick Provo [16] finally found his way back into the Orange offense. The senior caught eight passes for 85 yards. The eight catches were double his season total, and the 85 yards was more than twice his original total coming into the USC game.
Free safety Phillip Thomas [17] is once again your tackles leader, with 11 on the day. Shamarko Thomas [18], Marquis Spruill [19], Kevyn Scott [20] and Jeremi Wilkes [21] all finished with seven each.
Rough day at the office for the Special Teams unit. Shane Raupers [22]averaged only 31 yards on his three punts, while Jeremiah Kobena [23] and Dorian Graham [24] averaged a combined 14 yards per kick return.
It was rough day for the officiating crew, too, as they accidentally called USC “South Carolina” multiple times during the game.
USC is now 3-0 against the Orange. SU also lost at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 16-0, in 1924 and at Giants Stadium in 1990, 34-16.
A Marinovich brother has participated in the last two contests of this game, Todd for USC in 1990 and Mikhail [25]for SU in 2011.
Ryan Nassib [26]had just one completion and attempt less than Matt Barkley, yet threw for 94 fewer yards.
Next week, the Orange will take on the University of Toledo [27] at the Carrier Dome at 12 p.m. The Rockets are currently 2-1, and recently fell to Boise State, 40-15. The team employs a two-quarterback offense, utilizing the skills of Austin Dantin [28] and Terrance Owens [29]. The two have combined for 826 yards passing and eight touchdowns on the year.
