USC’s best play against Ohio State, according to Pete Carroll, wasn’t any of the Trojans’ five touchdowns — not even Rey Maualuga’s pick-six.
No, the best play was a dump-off pass to Stanley Havili, and the best part happened on the far edge of your TV screen.
On that second-quarter pass play, which netted 12 yards, senior guard Jeff Byers took out not one but two Buckeyes defenders — Malcolm Jenkins and Chimdi Chekwa.
That was the first highlight Carroll showed the team when it reconvened after the game.
“That’s one of the best plays an offensive lineman can make,” Carroll said.
“Great pass protection, releases downfield. Then he blocks one guy and knocks another guy down. It was exactly what you hope your players (will) show up like on game day. Finish everything, fully give everything they have.
Carroll said Byers was a “remarkable effort guy in high school. Off the charts, like you’ve never seen before.”
It was no coincidence that USC’s offensive line improved about the time Byers returned from an illness during training camp.
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