Five things we learned in USC’s 38-20 loss to UCLA

UCLA defeated USC, 38-20, on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

Here are five things we learned in the Trojans’ defeat.

Gap between USC and UCLA growing

UCLA has defeated USC for three consecutive seasons and the margin between the teams is widening.

The Bruins’ victory over USC in 2012 came down to the final minutes. Last season’s was decided in the third quarter. This time UCLA won in a rout.

UCLA was more prepared, more physical and executed better than USC in every phase.

Offensive line under pressure

USC’s struggles on offense started with the offensive line.

Quarterback Cody Kessler was under pressure most of the game and was sacked six times by a defense that went into the game with only 16 sacks.

Tailbacks Javorius Allen and Justin Davis had nowhere to run.

UCLA made eight tackles for losses.

Run game collapse

USC’s run game has disappeared.

The Trojans rushed for only 62 yards, 101 below their season average.

It was the second consecutive game USC was held to less than 100 yards. Last week against California, the Trojans rushed for 79 yards.

Allen, who rushed for 100 yards in six consecutive games during the middle of the season, was limited to 60 yards in 14 carries by the Bruins.

Davis rushed for 37 yards in nine carries.

Kessler’s six sacks totaled 40 yards, which calculates into the final rushing yards. Regardless, tailbacks were not running anywhere far or fast against UCLA.

Contained Hundley, but not his arm

USC’s game plan was to prevent mobile UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley from running. The Trojans were successful there. Hundley netted two yards in seven carries.

Hundley, however, passed without much pressure.

He completed 22 of 31 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, with an interception. Ten receivers caught passes.

Shaw can play

USC cornerback Josh Shaw is in shape and can contribute.

Shaw, who returned from a suspension that lasted 10 games, played nickelback, cornerback and on special teams.

The first time he got into the game, on kickoff coverage, he made a tackle.

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