USC defeated Washington State, 44-17, on Saturday at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.
Here are five things we learned about the Trojans in the victory.
USC can bounce back
USC has lost three games, two on last-second plays.
The Trojans bounced back to win the next game every time.
An emotional letdown was possible against Washington State after USC's loss at Utah, which made a trip to the Pac-12 Championship game unlikely.
But USC did not appear to lack motivation against the Cougars, scoring 14 points within the first five minutes and not letting up the rest of the game.
Cody Kessler is comfortable throwing down-field
Quarterback Cody Kessler has been criticized for not throwing down-field enough.
Kessler turned a corner when he passed for a school-record seven touchdowns against Colorado.
He did not hesitate to air it out against Washington State. Kessler completed 21 of 32 passes for a career-high 400 yards and five touchdowns.
Kessler hit Nelson Agholor in stride on a 87-yard touchdown pass play.
Five Trojans receivers averaged more than 10 yards per reception.
Nelson Agholor makes plays
Junior receiver Nelson Agholor produced 291 all-purpose yards and two spectacular touchdowns.
Agholor returned a first-quarter punt 65 yards for a touchdown. It was Agholor's school-record fourth punt return for a touchdown.
He also caught eight passes for a career-best 220 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown.
Agholor eclipsed 100 yards receiving for the third consecutive game.
After two seasons behind Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, Agholor has left no doubt he is capable of filling their shoes.
JuJu Smith has become steady force
Freshman receiver JuJu Smith has steadily proven himself as a reliable playmaker.
Smith caught six passes for 74 yards and three touchdowns.
It was Smith's third consecutive game with a touchdown reception, his first with more than one.
Defense loses playmakers, but others step up
USC played without starting outside linebacker J.R. Tavai, who did not travel to Washington State because of a knee injury.
And the unit took a couple of more hits.
Linebacker Su'a Cravens and safety Leon McQuay were both sidelined because of injuries.
Cravens suffered a knee sprain in the second quarter and will undergo more tests when the team returns to Los Angeles, USC announced.
McQuay was injured in the fourth quarter when he attempted to make an interception and collided with cornerback Adoree' Jackson while attempting to intercept a pass.
USC played backup linebackers Quinton Powell and Charles Burks and walk-on safety Matt Lopes.
Defensive lineman Greg Townsend Jr. started in place of Antwaun Woods, who was limited in practice this week because of an ear infection. Townsend also played as a stand-up rusher. He had a sack and came close to making several others
Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select emails in a weekly USC Now mailbag.
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