The Trojans improved markedly in the penalty department vs. Stanford, drawing six flags for 45 yards — down from their conference-worst average of 78.7 entering the weekend.

But Pete Carroll believes USC should have had one fewer penalty, claiming that a holding call on Patrick Turner in the third quarter should not have been whistled.

“The holding penalty on Patrick is so far off,” Carroll said of a call that took 10 yards off a 17-yard gain by Joe McKnight. “He made a dominant block and drove the guy on his back.”

More from the USC blog:

• USC football: 100 games in, 15 losses bug Carroll the most
• USC football: Carroll takes shot at SEC
• USC football: McKnight aggravates toe injury
• USC football: Holding steady at No. 6 in BCS
• Five observations on USC-Stanford