As expected, USC burned George Farmer’s red shirt by playing him on kicking coverage to commence the game.
The Trojan offense has not flowed well to begin the game, but the defense has allowed two turnovers against Cal, by recovering two fumbles.
During Cal’s opening drive, wide receiver Keenan Allen fumbled the ball recovered by the USC defense. On USC’s opening drive, Matt Barkley completed a 30-yard pass to Marqise Lee. That set up a 1st and goal for the Trojans, however couldn’t convert on any points.
USC did score on a 39-yard field goal by Andre Heidari.
On 4th and down, USC head coach Lane Kiffin ran a trick play for Rhett Ellison to run the ball, however, Ellison fumbled the ball and Cal recovered.
Both offenses begin the game on shaky ground, with virtually no positive runs for both teams (USC, with 1 yard rushing and Cal with 12 yards rushing).
Farmer did show a glimpse of his speed after a bubble screen play good for five yards, he also had a tackle on special teams during punt coverage.