LOS ANGELES >> With USC quarterback Sam Darnold cemented as the starter for as long as he wants and the wide receiver position basically non-descript after All-American JuJu Smith-Schuster, it is the Trojans’ running game that features the real drama.
Senior tailback Justin Davis, one of the most popular players on the team with his omnipresent smile and positive attitude, continues to overcome fans’ expectations with back-to-back 100-yard games. Sophomore Ronald Jones, who got more attention in the offseason, remains a mystery. Jones barely averaged 30 yards the first five games.
Instead of providing an impressive 1-2 punch like Reggie Bush and LenDale White more than 10 years ago, USC’s running game relies almost solely on Davis.