+2
USC runs up big offensive numbers as quarterback Matt Barkley and receiver Ronald Johnson account for seven touchdowns, but there is cause for alarm regarding the defense.
Obviously, USC fans are happy their team left the islands with a win Thursday night, but the 49-36 victory over Hawaii left much to be desired on the defensive side. From SB Nation’s Conquest Chronicles:
The lack of tackling in camp was an issue but the fact that most of the secondary has barely played was also part of it. There is no excuse for the lack of discipline that we saw tonight. There were too many offsides calls on the D line. Casey should have known better on that late hit on the QB in the 2nd qtr. I am more forgiving on the PI calls in the secondary but not the missed tackles.
We can debate affect of the the lack of tackling in the preseason but I think it is safe to say that will change next week. The team will go on full pads. […]
The Tampa 2 gives up a lot of yards but it also depends on the defense keeping the opposing offense out of the end zone.’SC having to see this type of offense early in the season will go a long way to defending the spread later on in the season. the question is will they learn from tonight. So, the team has a lot of work to do on defense. Monte Kiffin is about to earn his paycheck…
The Trojans next test will be Virginia at home next Saturday.
Honolulu, HI (Sports Network) - Matt Barkley tied a school record by throwing for five touchdowns, as 14th-ranked Southern California beat Hawaii, 49-36, giving Lane Kiffin a victory in his coaching debut with the Trojans.
Ronald Johnson caught three scoring passes and returned a punt 89 yards for another TD for the Trojans, who posted their 13th straight win in a season opener.
Despite being ranked to start the season and with high aspirations, the Trojans won't be going to a bowl game. They were hit with a two-year postseason ban as a result of violations stemming from former USC standout football player Reggie Bush and basketball star O.J. Mayo.
Marc Tyler ran for 154 yards and a touchdown for the Trojans (1-0), who are 7-0 all-time against Hawaii.
Barkley, who led USC to an Emerald Bowl win over Boston College last December, completed 18-of-23 passes for 257 yards.
Kiffin, previously an assistant at USC, left Tennessee unceremoniously after just one year and took over for Pete Carroll who once again has jumped to the NFL, this time with the Seahawks.
Bryant Moniz connected on 18-of-36 passes for 269 yards and a score for the Warriors (0-1), but he left the game in the third quarter after taking a blow to the head on a hit from USC linebacker Michael Morgan.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
Scoreboard data copyright © 2012 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters
•
Odds Shark 
VIDEO: Highlights Of USC's Explosive Offense Against Hawaii
The full highlights of all the key offensive plays from USC during their win Thursday night over Hawaii, via Conquest Chronicles. They scored seven touchdowns, so there’s a lot to take in:
Sep 03 9:26a by Chris Mottram - 0 comments