Though the USC Trojans struggled to a two-point win on Saturday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, there were still some positives from the game. Quarterback Matt Barkley and receiver Robert Woods formed a connection that, for one game anyway, is unmatched in USC school history. For his efforts, Woods has been named Pac-12 player of the week.
Woods and Barkley hooked up for three first-half touchdowns as the Trojans built a 19-3 halftime lead over Minnesota. For the game, Woods caught a school record 17 passes for 177 yards and those three scores. The sophomore Woods led the Pac-12 conference in catchers, receiving yards, all-purpose yards, and scoring.
Barkley also set a USC record with 34 completions against the Gophers. Woods last season caught 65 passes for 792 yards and six touchdowns in 2010 as a freshman, and figures to blow past those numbers very soon in 2011. Former Trojan Mike Williams caught 95 passes for 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2003. Something for Woods to shoot for in 2011.
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