USC football got a huge win this past week, a result that sets the Trojans back on the right course for full success this season. Star players returned, other players are rising, and the Trojans' defense looks good enough to be counted on late in games and in the red zone.
Here is what we learned about USC following its seventh game of the season:
Tanook Hines is officially back
He is not the most productive receiver for the Trojans, as many expected. Tanook Hines's role is growing into what it should be. Last week on the road in a big game, Hines stepped up for his quarterback. Hines had 4 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. It was the most production he has put up so far this season, but with the gauntlet of a schedule coming up for USC, this will not be his last big game.
The Jayden Maiava-to-Hines connection looks lethal again.
Trent Mosley is still special
After a few weeks without Mosley, he didn't wait long to remind everyone how special a player he is. He put up 100 yards for the 3rd time this year in the 4 games he played. Mosley is the Trojans' best playmaker, and he continues to show that. Mosley has found the end zone in every game this season; it is safe to say he is the heartbeat of the offense and the answer to any problem. Having him back, along with Mark Bowman soon, will put the Trojans in a great position to face another elite Big Ten team.
Trojans' defense can step up in key moments
The Trojans' defense for 2 straight weeks has now been a big reason for the Trojans getting back on the right track. Against Washington, the Trojans' defense made many key plays to win that game and really carried the offense. Jahkeem Stewart had a fumble returned for the touchdown to take the lead back in that game. Against Penn State, they held the Nittany Lions to just 2 field goals in the second half and forced a fumble. All this defense needs to do is show up in the big moments and get a stop or 2 late in games. USC can be successful with that formula.
Trojans are capable of playing a clean game
It was nice to see the Trojans only have 3 penalties and 0 turnovers in a game. USC on the road did not get in its own way of winning this football game. If USC can do that more often, they have a shot to win a few more other games this season.
Road woes are a thing of the past
The road woes are a thing of the past for USC after beating Penn State during a white-out game. That game meant a lot to the team and Lincoln Riley. It was as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders. Now it is time to do it again, against Wisconsin and then Indiana.
Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football begins to show it can correct flaws, make improvements
