LEV’S GRADE: A
It’s hard to find fault when a team pitches a shutout. USC’s defense not only stopped Arizona State on downs, it took the ball away four times and scored a touchdown. The cornerbacks were heavily involved in that. Cary Harris, Kevin Thomas and T.J. Bryant recorded interceptions, and Thomas took his to the house from 46 yards out to deliver a devastating blow to ASU’s psyche. Safety Kevin Ellison again was a factor against the run, finishing with seven tackles, including four solos and one for loss. He also broke up a pair of passes. The further we get away from it, the more the first half at Oregon State looks like an aberration. The Trojans allowed 21 points in those two quarters; they have allowed just 16 in the past 10, none in the past six. I was tempted to hand out the first A-plus of the season, but USC got a little lucky at the end of the game when ASU’s Gerell Robinson dropped a pass in the end zone that would have negated the shutout.
Now it’s your turn:
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