Clay Helton had been wanting this feeling again, the full sense of control that comes with a laminated sheet full of offensive plays in his hands and the ability to call whatever comes to mind. Maybe he should have listened to his urges to take over earlier.
It’s hard to know. The Trojans’ last three games, against competent California and rivals UCLA and Notre Dame, will tell the tale of whether Saturday night's offensive outburst in a 38-21 victory over Oregon State was the product of a pathetic defense, an improved USC attack or a little bit of both.