USC's Five-Game Report Card (Part III)

Heading into USC's "bye week" let's take a look at how Southern Cal has done so far. You can check out Part I of the report card HERE and Part II HERE.

Kicking: B+

Jordan Congdon walked onto the USC football team this year and assumed the role of kicker for the Trojans. Congdon, a former All-American kicker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers back in 2005, has done a pretty good job for the Trojans this season. 

He is second on the team in scoring with 33 points, connecting on 6-of-8 field goals as well as going 15-for-15 on extra point opportunities.

On kickoffs, Jacob Harfman has been handling the duties for the entire season. Harfman, who possesses a strong leg, has four touchbacks this year and has averaged 65.7 yards on his kickoffs.

If Congdon had not missed a couple of kicks and was actually able to get that field goal attempt before halftime off against Washington, this would be an easy A for the Trojans' special teams. It is amazing the talent that Pete Carroll is able to get even with his walk-ons, scoring an All-American kicker like Congdon.

Punting: D+

Early on in the season, punting was a glaring weakness for the Trojans. It was almost painful to watch Billy O'Malley muff punts, one after another.

Luckily, Carroll reopened competition at the position and Jacob Harfman, he of strong leg, assumed the role and has done an admirable job. Harfman is averaging almost six more yards per punt compared to the maligned O'Malley, and sports an average of 43.2 yards per punt. Not great, but respectable given the circumstances.

I probably would have handed out my only failing grade to the punting unit. However, the emergence of Mitch Mustain at the punter position was like getting extra-credit from the teacher.

The onetime top-rated quarterback coming out of high school, Mustain has languished on the bench since transferring to the Trojans from Arkansas. While it is a sorry state of affairs for the once 8-and-0 freshman starter, it is pretty darn commendable that he is willing to help the team in any way possible, even if that means he is USC's new punter.

I, for one, am pulling for a little Mustain action at punter at some point this season. We will see if coach Carroll is of a similar mind.