Arizona State Football: Report Card Against USC

Arizona State put up quite the game against the USC Trojans in Week 4.

Following their 43-22 win, the Sun Devils reclaimed their spot in the Top 25 at No. 25.

Arizona State arguably played their best game of the season, so this is the game that Dennis Erickson and crew should use as positive reinforcement in the video room.

These are Arizona State's grades from their USC game.

Brock Osweiler

Osweiler had a great game against USC.

He went 25-of-32 for 223 yards and two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Osweiler was selling the play action well, and connected with eight different receivers.

The only issue was Osweiler's ball control, as he did commit a fumble. Luckily, it was recovered by ASU.

Osweiler also ran the ball well, picking up 18 yards on eight carries. Though not a huge number, they were pretty much all for first downs.

Grade: B+

Cameron Marshall

Cameron Marshall had his 2011 coming-out party against USC.

After being slowed down by injuries, Marshall answered his critics exploding for 141 yards on 25 carries.

Marshall got things going in the first quarter, breaking off a 70-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game.

Marshall also had three rushing touchdowns. This was the play that ASU hoped to get out of their star back, so hopefully it will keep up.

Grade: A+

The Offensive Line

The Arizona State offensive line played like seasoned veterans.

After being highly criticized for their lack of protection and constant penalties, the Sun Devil offensive line kept Brock Osweiler off the ground (one sack) and they created protection for Cameron Marshall, Jamaal Miles and Kyle Middlebrooks for a total of 169 yards.

The penalties were also minuscule, which was refreshing for a team known for its constant buildup of calls that put them in a bad position.

Grade: A

Vontaze Burfict

Vontaze Burfict performed to his best, especially considering it was his birthday.

Burfict handled his emotions well, and he also kept the defense under control.

Burfict had a huge pick off of USC quarterback Matt Barkley in the second quarter, showing off his abilities.

He also only had one penalty on himself, which was a huge need for ASU because in the past his stupid penalties have sent the defense into turmoil.

Grade: B+

Coaching

Coach Dennis Erickson finally seemed to be the coach that the Sun Devils hired him to be.

Arizona State played perhaps their most clean game since Erickson took over.

Under Erickson, ASU has been notorious for penalties. This game was one of their best in that regard, as they only committed six penalties.

Also, the defense was well-coached. They held USC to one-of-nine on third down attempts. They made USC settle for three straight field goals that easily could have been touchdown drives.

The Sun Devils did give up their lead in the third quarter, but instead of imploding, they kept their composure and shut out USC in the fourth quarter to take the game.

Grade: A

Fans

Wow, was the student body into this game!

As an ASU student, most of the time I see students leaving after the second quarter, but this game was different.

The fans were into the entire game, and they became the 12th man.

Towards the end of the first quarter, a dust storm hit the stadium. Instead of the fans running for cover, they stayed out in the stands and intimidated the USC Trojans.

The fans were loving the weather, as it never rains out in Tempe. 

The Arizona State student body looked stronger then ever.

Grade: A+