Grading the cougars: B–

Passing offense: C+

Tuel showed the skills he’s been exhibiting in practice, but eight sacks are too many.

Rushing offense: C+

The Cougars actually gained 138 yards, but the sacks took away 42 of them.

Passing defense: B-

After the big plays early – again – this group settled down.

Rushing defense: B+

The guys up front stood in against USC big offensive line, especially inside the red zone.

Special teams: D

The porous punt-return coverage ignited USC early and two missed kicks cost points.

Coaching: B

Perhaps the best effort in the Wulff era, though the offense struggled with makeshift line.