Stanford defeated No. 6 USC, 41-31, on Saturday evening at the Coliseum. Here are five things we learned from the game.
Nonconference schedule
USC became an honorary member of the Sun Belt Conference to open the 2015 season and the easy schedule did the Trojans no favors.
USC routed Arkansas State, 55-6, in an opener and followed with a 59-9 victory over Idaho.
The blowout victories provided a false sense of confidence.
The Trojans deserved credit for beating the Red Wolves and Vandals decisively, but the non-conference games left plenty of questions about whether the team was ready for Pac-12 competition.