Instant Analysis: USC-Arizona

The national media is in love with USC running back Joe McKnight. They love the highlight reel plays perfect for YouTube. They love the intriguing storyline of the Bayou kid who spurned instate power LSU. They love comparing him to Reggie Bush. But ask anyone around the Trojan football team and they’ll tell you that Stafon Johnson is the real deal.

Johnson, the junior from Dorsey High in the heart of Los Angeles, stole the show with 83 yards rushing and a couple of dynamic punt returns in USC’s 17-10 escape from the desert. After spending his first season in coach Pete Carroll’s doghouse with lackluster practice habits and only three carries burning a possible redshirt, everyone assumed that the former five-star prospect would transfer somewhere else. Instead, he rededicated himself and had program insiders raving.

Stuck in a timeshare with then-senior Chauncey Washington, C.J. Gable and McKnight, Johnson appeared to assert himself with 144 yards against Nebraska and another 122 versus Washington. However, a foot injury on his final carry against the Huskies limited him the rest of the year.

On Saturday night when the rest of the offense bogged down, Johnson stepped to the forefront. Carroll decided to roll with his unsung back and the powerhouse defense that has been nearly unstoppable since allowing 21 points in the first half to Oregon State.

Arizona, a team loaded with offensive weapons, managed just 188 yards and its only trip into the end zone came off a short field. After averaging more than 50 points per game at home, the Wildcats were totally stifled. Tight end Ron Gronkowski, perhaps the nation’s best kept secret, was held to two receptions for 12 yards.

Inheriting a program that was in complete turmoil after the disastrous John Mackovic era, Mike Stoops hasn't yet found a way to breakthrough against USC but is very close. A complete running back like Johnson, melded with Sonny Dykes' spread passing offense, might be the answer that finally takes Arizona to the Rose Bowl.

Johnson accounted for both Trojan touchdowns. He scored on a 2 yard run in the second quarter, then sent Wildcat safety Nate Ness head over heels on a blitz pickup allowing Mark Sanchez to make a 30 yard TD throw.

McKnight, the shining star, touched the ball just five times for 16 yards.

Too much has to happen for USC to get back to the top of the BCS pecking order, but with the continued development of Johnson and the ridiculously loaded defense, no one will want to play this team in a bowl game.