 "Photo: Michael Sugarman | Daily Trojan")
LINCOLN, Neb. - Even for someone who had never watched a game of football, the reason for USC's success against Nebraska was easy to decipher.
With running lanes that could fit three running backs at once, No. 1 USC ran all over No. 14 Nebraska - to the tune of 313 yards on 38 carries - paving the way for a 49-point night.
With its dominating performance, USC's offensive line, a question mark heading into the season, silenced its critics who were fueled by a suspect second half performance in the team's opener against Idaho.
"All the stuff we hoped to do on the line of scrimmage we got done," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "The holes were enormous."
Senior offensive tackle Sam Baker compared the offensive line's performance to the way it played in 2005, when Reggie Bush and LenDale White averaged 8.7 and 6.6 yards per carry, respectively.
"Back in 2005, we used to get in a groove like that - where everybody was on the same page and we were moving," Baker said. "That's what it reminded me of."
After a four play, 96-yard opening drive that included runs of 50 and 40 yards, USC's offense stalled in a way reminiscent of the game against Idaho.
When cornerback Vincent Joseph was injured on the kickoff return after Nebraska had taken a 10-7 lead, Carroll took the extra time to inform the offensive line of a newly minted game plan.
"We told them we're gonna run the ball every play until something changes," Carroll said. "We ripped off a 20-yarder, and bang bang, we are in the end zone four or five plays later [by] running the ball."
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel explained the exchange between coach and linemen more simply. "Coach Carroll told them, 'Hey, we're putting the game on you,'" Ruel said. "The offensive line loves to hear that kind of talk, and it's even better when they are able to [follow through]."
True freshman center Kris O'Dowd, had another strong game calling the shots for the offensive line. Husker Sports Network Pregame Show host Jim Rose wondered aloud if the young and inexperienced O'Dowd would be able to handle the Nebraska crowd and the big-game atmosphere.
Rather than fold under the pressure, O'Dowd placed himself squarely in the thick of the starting center discussion that will commence once projected starter Matt Spanos returns from injury.
"In order for us to be good, [O'Dowd] needs to know how to make the calls, how to communicate the calls, and the guys around him need to be confident," Ruel said. "I think they are starting to feel that way."
O'Dowd was happy with the way he performed, crediting the bye week with preparing him for the raucous Nebraska crowd.
"Our communication was key," O'Dowd said. "We went in there with the goal of putting 250 [rushing yards] on the board and [allowing] no sacks. We didn't allow any sacks, and we put up 320."
Stafon Johnson and C.J. Gable both made flashy plays - Gable spinning free from defenders and Johnson barreling through would-be tacklers - but the elusive moves came more than 10 yards after the backs had crossed the line of scrimmage.
"The O-Line opened up great holes allowing me to do what I need to do to get into the end zone," Johnson said. "I haven't seen [that] big of holes since I've been here. My eyes got big every time [I got the ball]."
There was a consensus among players and coaches that USC had made a statement by proving its ability to run the ball down the throats of its opponents.
Ruel said that rushing the ball well does more than help score points - it demoralizes the opponents.
"When you are able to rush the ball, you are sending a message to the other team," Ruel said. "When you throw the ball over someone's head, it's kind of like getting jabs. When you rush the ball, it's kind of like getting knocked down.
"Defensive guys will get in the huddle and wonder what's happening. It's an attitude thing."
Often viewed as the most pragmatic, logical players on the field, the offensive linemen admitted they were having fun imposing their will on Nebraska's defense.
"When you are rushing the ball, that's the best moment for an offensive lineman," Baker said.
"You can't really make a statement pass blocking. You make a statement running the ball and pushing guys out of the way."
The fun spilled over to the sideline, where USC's running backs made sure to thank the men making their job easier.
"[The running backs] are hyping us up. They're saying thank you," Baker said.
"If they're not getting touched, they're definitely appreciative."
