Questions still linger for football despite win

The Trojan football team picked up a much-needed victory Saturday, with a workmanlike win over the Utah State Aggies. Although expected, it was encouraging to see the Trojans bounce back from the dejecting experience that took place in Arlington, Texas last week. It is infinitely better to enter next week’s matchup against Stanford with some momentum at 1-1, instead of a dismal 0-2.

With that being said, the 2016 version of the Trojan football team still has many unanswered questions. There are undoubtedly some positives as both the defense and special teams are markedly improved from a year ago.

Save for a single blown coverage in the first half against Alabama last week, defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s squad has been excellent for three out of four halves — not to mention the fact that scheme was not the culprit for the second half breakdown last week.

On the special teams’ front, John Baxter again is demonstrating why he is one of the better coordinators in the country. The unit accounted for a touchdown and set up another easy score to start off the game. In closer games later this year, a two touchdown swing from special teams could be the difference between a win and a loss. While the missed field goal this week and the botched punt last week were unforced errors, some growing pains are expected with a new punter and kicker.

Additionally, redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold demonstrated why the competition was so close this summer. The velocity and placement he put on his touchdown pass to junior wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is reminiscent of Mark Sanchez darts to Patrick Turner and Damian Williams.

Since Sanchez, USC quarterbacks haven’t had the zip and arm strength to make those NFL caliber throws across the middle of the field. The fact that Darnold is doing that in his first meaningful minutes bodes well for his future as well as that of the USC program. When he takes the helm as the starter down the road, the future is bright.

For now though, USC has some significant concerns on offense. The offensive line that was supposed to be a cornerstone of the offense looked like a sieve for parts of the game against Utah State. The first drive looked like a continuation of last week, with the offensive line practically inviting the Aggies linemen in to greet redshirt junior quarterback Max Browne.

Granted, starting center junior Toa Loehbendahn is out for the year and redshirt senior Chad Wheeler isn’t 100 percent, but if Utah State was able to sustain a push up front, what will Stanford and Utah do the next two weeks? It doesn’t matter how great the skill position players are if Browne can’t consistently have time in the pocket.

Granted, the line did improve as the game went on, but it still didn’t feel that the Trojans’ offense was as fluid or dynamic as it can be. There were no big plays down the field, no breakout runs from running backs senior Justin Davis, sophomore Ronald Jones or sophomore Aca’Cedric Ware and very little creativity across the middle of the field. While Davis had an exciting grab on a middle screen, the rest of the plays were pedestrian at best.

It’s quite possible the offensive play calling staff was saving its best work for Stanford next week, but the Trojans will really have to improve if they want to beat the Cardinal. The Trojans aren’t utilizing a fullback or power line looks. Without either, it is inordinately difficult to put together consistent 10-plus play drives for 70-plus yards and five-plus minutes. It requires too much discipline and perfection from a young squad, as one penalty or missed block ends a drive prematurely.

Part of the offensive look the Trojans are going with requires speed and the execution of big plays. Without that spark, the team just isn’t anywhere near its potential with the outstanding athletes it has on offense.

Hopefully, the Trojans were holding back against the Aggies and unleash a torrent of offensive fire power next week against David Shaw and the Cardinal. Or they beat Stanford at its own game and surprise them with a power look up front.

Either way, next week is a major opportunity for head coach Clay Helton’s first statement victory. The Trojans will need to carry the defensive and special teams’ execution into next week, with Pendergast figuring out an answer to Christian McCaffrey in a way Justin Wilcox never could. Even more than that though, the team needs the offense that it envisioned in the Spring, with Browne connecting on deep balls and Jones and Davis slicing up opposing defenses for 20-plus yard carries. That combination would yield a much needed victory against Stanford.

Jake Davidson is a senior majoring in accounting. His column, “Davidson’s Direction,” runs Mondays.