USC vs. Arizona State: Live Game Grades and Analysis for the Trojans

Final: Arizona State 62, USC 41

The USC Trojans and Arizona State engaged in a shootout with Arizona State coming out on top.

For full stats, check out NCAA.com.

Final Grades for USC Trojans

Pass Offense

Cody Kessler finished the game with 280 yards through the air and two touchdowns. However, many will point to his two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Arizona State in the third quarter.

Rush Offense

Tre Madden and Justin Davis combined for 250 yards on the ground, along with four touchdowns. Their running kept the Trojans in the game late, but ultimately, it wasn't enough.

Pass Defense

The secondary looked like they had given up midway through the third quarter. USC gave up 351 yards through the air. Arizona State receivers were too open. In the end, poor secondary play was one of the reasons the Trojans lost.

Rush Defense

The Sun Devils finished with 260 yards on the ground with almost 200 in the second half. Arizona State running backs kept finding holes and there was nothing USC could do about it.

Special Teams

The special teams got a little bump from recovering a pooch kickoff. But a missed extra point and unimpressive kick returns showed this group needs work.

Coaching

The 62 points tied for the most points ever given up by the Trojans in their history. When that happens, heads need to roll...especially at USC.

1st-Half Grades for USC Trojans

Pass Offense

Cody Kessler completed 11 passes for 87 yards with one touchdown and one interception. USC couldn't get anything going through the air and struggled to sustain drives. The interception led to a field goal.

Rush Offense

The Trojans were a little better on the ground, rushing for 128 yards. Tre Madden led all running backs with 84 yards on the ground. Overall, the offense still has work to do.

Pass Defense

Taylor Kelly had 205 passing yards for Arizona State as he was able to throw the ball anywhere he wanted. The secondary has some work to do in the second half if the Trojans are going to come back.

Rush Defense

The rush defense held the Sun Devils to 71 yards on the ground, with the big run coming on a Kelly 40-yard run. Without that, USC held Arizona State to 31 yards the rest of the half.

Special Teams

Andre Heidari made two extra points and Kris Albarado averaged 39 yards on two punts. The return teams totaled 32 yards on three returns.

Coaching

The coaching hasn't affected the game as two turnovers have hurt the Trojans in this game. Offensively, nothing looks different from last week.