USC Trojans Triumph Over Stanford Cardinal 42-24

Now THAT, was a game.

The #4 USC Trojans (2-0, 1-0) conquered over the #14 Stanford Cardinal (1-1, 0-1) 42-24 earlier tonight in the Coliseum. After a less than stellar start to the season against WMU, QB Sam Darnold responded with a dominant performance where he threw for over 315 yards on 21 for 26 including four touchdowns and two interceptions. His 11 yard touchdown to WR Steven Mitchell Jr midway thru the fourth proved to be the decisive score, giving the Trojans a substantial 35-17 lead. That was followed by Ronald Jones II 23 yard touchdown run, capping it off 42-24 with only 4:15 left to play in the game.

The Trojans began the scoring with a four yard touchdown catch by Mitchell Jr from Darnold with 5:01 left to play in the first quarter. Stanford quickly countered the next play with a 75 yard touchdown run from RB Bryce Love to even the score at seven. Love finished with 17 carries for 160 yards and a touchdown.

After trading scores once again, the Trojans responded with a beautiful diving 22 yard touchdown catch from WR Deontay Burnett to regain a 21-14 advantage early in the second quarter.

However, Burnett was not finished.

He delivered once again with a 25 yard touchdown catch with less than a minute to play in the first half, giving the Trojans a 28-17 lead headed into the break. He finished the game with nine receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Trojan running backs RoJo and Stephen Carr combined for over 230 yards and two touchdowns on the night. Stanford QB Keller Chryst finished 15 of 28 for 172 yards including two touchdowns.

Trojans will play again next Saturday, September 16 against the Texas Longhorns 5:30pm PST. Check Conquest Chronicles later for the full recap and analysis.