Second-half surge offers reason for optimism after USC handles Northwestern, moves to 7-2

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The USC Trojans got a victory to keep rolling, and while they didn’t play a complete 60-minute game, they finally did play a complete second half against Northwestern. It took them two quarters to take control of this game, but nonetheless, it was an impressive win by USC. Lincoln Riley should be happy about quieting the doubts about his future at USC. After halftime, everything finally clicked for the Trojans on all sides of the ball.

Hustle pays off

The first half had all the makings of a typical USC loss. Northwestern was hanging right there with USC until one big momentum-shifting play. Jayden Maiava made a poor decision on a screen pass, and a defensive tackle got an interception, with the intention of getting a pick-six. Instead of putting forth a poor effort, Maiava made a fantastic play, tackled Najee Story, forcing him to fumble and causing a touchback. Instead of a pick six, the Trojans got the ball right back. That was the play that turned the game. Seeing the quarterback fight like that really got the team riled up.

Building momentum

Right after Maiava’s hustle play, King Miller ran for a 55-yard gain. The Trojans’ offense never looked back after that play. Jayden Maiava was lights out, throwing for almost 300 yards for the game. He threw one more passing touchdown in the second half. Maiava returned being the elite quarterback he was early in the season. He orchrestated the offense and allowed his playmakers to make plays.

Both Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane were stars in this game. Lane had a fantastic touchdown catch in the red zone and made plays all game long. Chipping in 7 catches for 74 yards. Makai Lemon returned to dominant form putting up 11 catches for 161 yards, and two total touchdowns. Northwestern’s great pass defense had no answer for the Trojans’ best players.

Miller is King

Northwestern had no answer for King Miller. Prior to getting banged up (a stinger in his shoulder), Miller ran wild on the Wildcats. Miller had 90 yards rushing on 9 carries, and averaged 9 yards per carry in the first half. It simply was too easy for him and this run game. He finished the day with 127 yards rushing and a touchdown. He has filled in perfectly for the two injured starting backs.

Halftime help

The Trojans’ defense, after giving up 14 points early, held Northwestern to just 3 points in the second half. The defense played its part in this game and ensured it would not allow Northwestern to make up any ground. Preston Stone played better than expected, but once USC’s offense got ahead, he and the Wildcats could not respond.

Balanced second half

The Trojans put together a very well-balanced performance and displayed a version of themselves that has a shot to run the table in their next two games. USC will not move up high in the polls after a win against Northwestern, but this game can be used as a huge building block for the Trojans to finish the season strong. If USC can play like this — the second half, not the first half — next week, the Trojans will finally get the respect they deserve.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Puzzle pieces come together for USC football after close first half

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