USC football headed into the game against the Oregon Ducks as a team that was just as talented. In this game, the Trojans still looked like they were not on the same level as the Ducks. There were some bright spots in this game, but the bad parts of this loss were the biggest highlights.
Here are the biggest studs and duds from the USC Trojans' fifth game of the season:
Jayden Maiava
The late-game sequence was not good for everyone involved. For most of the game, though, Jayden Maiava was very good. He made some NFL-level throws. He has made some special throws all season long, but it was evident in this game that his arm talent is elite. In moments of adversity, he responded well, and he remained cool and calm under pressure. A good example of how good Maiava has been
is that he is currently leading the country with 1,499 yards through the air. Losing this game was tough, but there is still a lot to love about the quarterback for USC.
King Miller
The Trojans did not run the ball nearly as much as they should have. When they did, however, the result was good. Miller had 5.7 yards per carry, and he finished with 74 yards on the ground. Had the Trojans run a couple more times, Miller would have finished with 100 yards. Miller needs to become more of a priority. Good football teams don't get cute. They do what works, and against Oregon, that was feeding King Miller.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt
In the first half, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt was unstoppable. He continues to look the part of an elite receiver. He was slowed down in the second half, but he still came up with a crucial first down, making an impressive catch. He fits the mold of great USC receivers. It is extremely encouraging that he was able to be as productive as he was in a big game like that.
Jahkeem Stewart
Jahkeem Stewart played in his first game of the season against Oregon. His impact was felt immediately. He elevated the Trojans' defensive line. The Trojans' defensive line was stout in short-yardage situations, and they gained some big momentum from key stops. That happens with Stewart returning.
Here are some duds from Game 5:
Entire secondary
The Trojans' secondary just could not keep up with any of Oregon's playmakers. Jamari Johnson had a field day against USC. Running back Dierre Hill Jr. put up 105 yards receiving. There were so many explosive plays on key downs. You cannot win football games with how bad the Trojans' secondary played. This issue has not been focused on because of the wins. Now it has become the reason USC lost.
Desman Stephens II
Instead of making his imprint on the game with his play, he made an egregious mistake that set the tone for the game in the worst possible way. His actions after the play, celebrating while a player was being attended to, looked even worse than the play itself. Desman Stephens is a reflection of the team and the entire program. That was really bad representation. Stephens is a key player, and he let his team down in this game.
Lincoln Riley and Gary Patterson
The Trojans' coaching staff got outcoached. Dan Lanning and staff saw their star quarterback go down with a devastating injury. It was a lot to take in. However, Dan Lanning had this team focused. The Ducks were not losing this football game. They punched the Trojans in the mouth. The second-half adjustments were evident for Oregon. USC, on the other hand, made more mistakes, and they played undisciplined football. That is a reflection of the Trojans' coaching staff. No matter how much talent is on the field, no matter what happens in the game, USC won't win games like this unless this staff does a better job.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football's biggest studs and duds from Week 4 vs Oregon
