The USC Trojans lost 37-31 at Boston College's Alumni Stadium Saturday night, suffering their first loss of the season and the first of the Steve Sarkisian era.
USC allowed Boston College quarterback Tyler Murphy to rush for 191 of the Eagles' 452 yards on the ground and couldn't rush the ball itself. The Trojans amassed just 20 yards rushing thanks to five BC sacks.
But the Trojans did have many positives, including the impressive numbers of Cody Kessler, who threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns on 31-of-41 passing. Two of those Kessler touchdown passes went to George Farmer and Darreus Rogers for their first collegiate scores.
The tight ends got involved a bit more with 60 yards receiving by Bryce Dixon and Randall Telfer. While he was shut down on the ground, Buck Allen still made an impact, finishing as USC's leading receiver with 118 yards on nine catches. The Trojans utilized the screen game well with Allen scoring from 51 yards out thanks to a nice downfield block by Viane Talamaivao.
J.R. Tavai collected a sack while Su'a Cravens had three tackles for loss. Chris Hawkins also outbattled Adoree' Jackson to grab his first career interception.
In the kicking game, Andre Heidari was rock solid, nailing a 52-yarder in the first quarter. Kris Albarado was up and down when USC lined up in punt formation, but finished with a 37.5 average and allowed only two returns for 16 yards. And in the return game, Adoree' Jackson had 81 yards on three returns, including a 50-yarder in the second quarter, forcing Boston College to start squib kicking to avoid him.