USC vs Stanford Halftime Update: USC Offense Surgical, Defense Flying All Over The Field
There is still a whole half to play, but thus far, USC certainly looks the part of a College Football Playoff contender. Stanford is in rebuild mode as head coach Troy Taylor is in his first season. Everyone knew they would be outmatched.
However, this is still a rivalry game. In fact, Stanford is USC’s oldest rival, dating back to 1905. With SC moving to the Big10 and Stanford moving to the ACC, this is the last official “weekender.” In rivalry games, all bets are off. It’s just different, especially with this being the last potential one. Well, someone should have told Stanford that.
USC didn’t just dominate the first half, they flat-out embarrassed their opponent. The Offense was surgical. The Defense was stifling. The Special Teams had a punt return for a touchdown, courtesy of Zachariah Branch.
Here are a few notes:
- 433 yards of total offense, 300 passing, 133 rushing
- Caleb Williams with ANOTHER Heisman performance, 19-22 for 300 yards and three touchdowns, plus one rushing touchdown
- Trojans offense was unstoppable, with only one punt in the first half
- Seven players had at least one reception
- Tahj Washington leads the way with four catches and 92 yards
- Marshawn Lloyd leads the backfield with nine rushes for 77 yards and one touchdown
- Defense held Stanford to 146 total yards, 50 passing, 96 rushing
- USC forced a fumble and an interception
- Two Sacks and five tackles for loss