The USC Trojans' top three players stepped up to help the Trojans get a big win on the road. If Jayden Maiava, King Miller, and Trent Mosley keep leading this offense at a high level, there are a lot of other games USC can win the rest of the season. It also helps when Luke Wafle is leading the way on defense and getting after the quarterback.
Here are the biggest studs and duds from the USC Trojans' seventh game of the season:
Jayden Maiava
Jayden Maiava put together nearly his best game during his tenure. Especially on the road. Maiava was the clear best quarterback on the road, and he continued to provide the Trojans' offense with a spark when needed. This game was a huge confidence boost for Maiava, as he showed he can win the big games.
King Miller
King Miller showed
he can be great against Big Ten teams once more. Miller ran for 102 yards and a touchdown against Penn State. The Trojans' offense had a stellar, balanced attack against Penn State. If the offense can consistently get King Miller and Maiava to play like this, they can beat some other top Big Ten teams.
Trent Mosley
Trent Mosley returned, and he showed he still is the best playmaker on the Trojans' offense. Maiava and his connection did not miss a beat. The offense definitely sees a huge boost with #4 back in the game.
Tanook Hines
Tanook Hines is finally matching the expectations of who he was expected to be this season. He is not the best receiver on the team, but he is a huge weapon for Maiava. That connection looks just like it did against TCU last year, more now than ever. Hines had 4 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. 3 straight games with a touchdown now; things are looking up for Hines.
Luke Wafle
Luke Wafle now has 2 straight games with a sack, and his game is massively improving. Not only is he a guy who plays to the whistle, but he is also stout against the run. He is now finishing his pressures and getting sacks. Big steps are being taken by the freshman defensive end.
Kennedy Urlacher
Kennedy Urlacher found himself as a weapon to get to the quarterback again. Against Penn State, Urlacher had 3 total tackles and a sack. You can rely on him to generate pressure and finish the job. It seems like Gary Patterson has a lot of trust in Urlacher.
Here are some duds from Game 7:
Trojans' defense early in the game
Penn State's offense was unstoppable and scoring at ease against the Trojans to start the game. That is an issue that continues to haunt this unit. Obviously, adjustments happen, and the defense buckles down later in the game; however, giving up too much early puts a lot of pressure on the offense. If the Trojans offense gave a more prolific offense, then that is a game more than likely USC will lose. The Trojans' defense needs to play better defensively out of the gates. Rocco Becht can not look like a Heisman candidate in the first half against the Trojans' defense. That is unacceptable.
Entire secondary
In each game, the Trojans' secondary is giving up explosive plays. Against teams like Ohio State and even UCLA, that won't be acceptable. A few explosive plays against the Buckeyes will give Jeremiah Smith another 200-yard receiving performance. The big plays came early on in the game, but this is an issue the Trojans need to buckle down on.
Waymond Jordan
It was another game in which Jordan was a non-factor. Jordan had 6 carries for 22 yards against Penn State. King Miller ran for an impressive 100 yards and a touchdown. King Miller deserves the lead back role, as he has been the most productive, but more and more it looks like Jordan's role is getting lessened. That is very disappointing, given how talented Jordan is.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football's biggest studs and duds from Week 6 vs Penn State
