USC Trojans

Utah State vs USC recap: 3 things that we learned

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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What did we learn from Saturday afternoon’s Utah State vs USC game in Los Angeles?

After a week one debacle against Alabama, the USC Trojans went from No. 20 in the country to out of the rankings for the foreseeable future. The Crimson Tide took the Trojans down 52-6 in a neutral site Week 1 game and it just went to show the Trojans just how far they have to go still.

Utah State came to town in Week 2 and the Trojans had the perfect opportunity to bounce back with a confidence-boosting win over the Aggies. They got off to a hot start, taking a 21-0 lead into halftime and never looking back.

First-year starting quarterback Max Browne bounced back nicely after completing less than 50 percent of his passes against the Crimson Tide. The offense, as a whole, looked completely improved and might use this as a stepping stool to a successful season.

While USC gave up about 200 total passing yards and its first touchdown in the second half, the Trojans just dominated the Aggies and bounced back nicely. They finished with a blowout 45-7 victory at home.

Here is what we learned from the USC victory over Utah State.

1. Max Browne will be just fine

Max Browne had a forgettable week one performance, completing just 14-of-29 passes for just over 100 yards, but he showed he will be just fine after his second start. He wasn’t throwing bombs all game, but he completed 23-of-30 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns.

For all of those Browne doubters, he will be just fine.

2. JuJu Smith-Schuster will be Browne’s safety valve

There’s no question JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of the elite receives in college football but he had a quiet start to the season, catching just one pass for nine yards against Alabama. That kind of surprised some people, but he got back to his pass-catching ways in week two, finishing with seven receptions for 55 yards and two scores.

It wasn’t an eye-opening performance, but his five catches in the first half shows that he can he the safety valve that Browne desperately needs.

3. USC’s run defense can be elite

After allowed Alabama to score at will last week, the Trojans had a nice showing, especially against the run, against Utah State. USC allowed just 43 yards on the ground and looked dominant against the run. If they can continue to stymy opposing rushing attacks and keep quarterbacks uncomfortable, they’ll be OK in Pac-12 play.

Highlights

USC will need to continue to build confidence after that opening week shellacking against Alabama, and this win was a good start.

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