LOS ANGELES – Once Ronald Jones took the handoff from Sam Darnold in the backfield on his first carry, he shot through a gaping hole along the left side of the line of scrimmage.
Jones charged downfield. He gained more than 10 yards before the first Cal defensive player could grab his jersey. Still, he shook off cornerback Marloshawn Franklin. He hurried along.
The end zone appeared in sight, but Jones, running along the south sideline, was out of room, knocked out of bounds for a 61-yard gain.
As USC grabbed a fourth consecutive victory in a 45-24 rout on a damp Thursday night at the Coliseum, it was invigorated by Jones and his breakaway speed.