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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Grading the Cougs

The Spokesman-Review

Quarterback: C-

Not much room to make plays in this game, but Brink looked overmatched.

Running backs: D

Granted, USC’s front four is dominant. But when the punter is your leading rusher, that’s bad.

Wide receivers: C-

The drops were back, and no one was able to make a play despite injuries in the USC secondary.

Offensive line: D+

Patterson and Cody dominated the interior of the line all night long for the Trojans.

Defensive line: C-

The Cougars continue to struggle to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks without an all-out blitz.

Linebackers: B

Derting had his best game on the stat sheet and Bennett chipped in with the team’s biggest play.

Secondary: D+

They didn’t give up enormous plays, but Leinart picked them apart, throwing to eight receivers.

Special teams: D

Punting the ball to Reggie Bush three times means you’re going to get burned at least once.

Coaching: C-

Going to the bag of tricks early is understandable, but nothing worked and the Cougars had no chance as a result.

Overall: C-

– By Glenn Kasses