Though the game was relatively close UCLA never seemed to be poised to get fully into the game. The Bruin’s defensive line that was so dominant in the last meeting was largely dominated. Bruce Davis had 3 solo tackles and 2 assists but only 1 was a tackle for loss. Their secondary was the collective heroes preventing the game from getting out of hand by knocking away potential big gains down field, covering one of the nation’s most talented receiving corps pretty well and leading the team in tackles. Dennis Keyes had 13 solo tackles 6 assists and 2 TFL, the #11 seemed to in the screen on almost every play on defense. His safety mate Chris Horton had 6 solo tackles 1 assist, 2 TFL, the corners Trey Brown had 4 solos, 1 Int and 1 PBU, and sophomore stud CB Alterraun Verner had 7 solo tackles 1 assist and a forced fumble.
USC’s offense sputtered after initially pushing the Bruins around and failed to convert their dominance on the field into dominance on the scoreboard. What was clear however was that the pressure on Booty that was the decisive factor in the game of a year ago was largely neutralized as the Men of Troy’s signal caller was only pressured a few times gained as USC totaled 437 yards to UCLA's 168. UCLA’s field general was the courageous Patrick Cowan, playing for the first time since suffering a concussion and partially collapsed right lung Nov. 3, was 13-of-24 for 156 yards 1 spectacular TD and 1 INT. Though less publicized that the receivers in Garnet and Gold Brandon Breazell, Terrence Austin and Dominique Johnson were productive and Austin and Johnson showed game breaking ability.
Senior DE Bruce Davis he of the never-ending motor who entered the game with 9.5 sacks and 26.5 for his career was rag dolled in double teams, chipped upon and on quite a few occasions stalemated head up by the USC offensive line who were the true MVPs on that side of the ball. Davis closed his day with 3 solos 2 assists and 1 TFL, the effort was there but the modern day Fred Dean was simply overpowered.

USC’s physical dominance was showcased in the rushing differential 231 to 43 [actually 12 when 31 yards in sacks are factored in] Chris Markey led the way for the forces from the Northwest with only 49 net yards on 17 carries and had 2 catches for 19 yards. Breazell was the UCLAns leading receiver with 4 grabs for 53 yards and a long of 27.
The Trojans spread the defensive load around with Rey Maualuga lead the way with 4 solo take downs and 4 helpers, the rest of the defense was involved at all levels, the super sized safeties Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison had 2 solo, 1 assist and 3 and 1 respectively, Thomas Williams had 3 solo and 2 assists, CB Cary Harris had 3 solos and 1 assist, Terrell Thomas and Kaluka Maiava each had 2 solo tackles and 2 assists.
On offense Booty completed 21 of 36 passes with one interception. Freshman Joe McKnight gained 89 yards on 13 carries; Stafon Johnson picked up 73 yards on 15 carries, and Chauncey Washington rushed for 66 yards on 13 attempts.

Game Notes UCLA
OFFENSE
Only a sophomore WR/PR #4Terrence Austin 5’10.6” 166 4.51 showed hands, awareness and ran a gorgeous post corner for a 36 yard gain the biggest gain for the Bruins and set up the only score of their day. Like a faster Troy Brown.

Fellow Super Soph WR #19 Dominique Johnson 6’3.4” 209 4.54 had the play of the game with an acrobatic TD catch, he has Charles Rogers/Roy Williams type upside though not quite as fast but he has better body control than Malcolm Kelley though not currently as strong, if he continues to improve he is a potential 1st/2nd rounder one day.

RS JR. #12 QB Patrick Cowan 6’4.3” 219 4.87 is a tough son of a gun after a collapsed lung and concussion suffered in the Arizona game he was not expected to play anymore this season, and despite a bad knee he has good mobility but lacks the arm to drive the ball on some deep routes he did however show really nice touch on post-corner, slants and fade routes. If he wins the starting job next year he could become a late rounder and NFL reserve.

RS JR. #7 QB Ben Olson played in mop up duty 5 passes none completed, very talented but never has put it together, NFL arm but Mormon mission and injuries have kept him from developing as expected, think Kerry Collins. He might have a great senior year and go in day 1, but I doubt it.

#28 TB Chris Markey 5’9.6” 208 4.seems to have been robbed of some of his zip by a turf toe and ankle sprain he showed good hands and balance but little else, late 6th to UDFA might be a Dominic Rhodes type and be a pleasant surprise.

#71 OG Shannon Tevaga 6’3.1” 317 5.09 did what he could and like most of the Bruins he was coming off an injury he looked a little less explosive than usual. He did a good job of reading stunts and blitzes but was not always able to get in good position to disrupt the defense. If he works out well in the off season he might be a late 4th rounder or fall to late 5th/6th if he doesn’t have more pop.

#1 WR Brandon Breazell 5’11.5” 167 4.49 is a player who like former teammate Tab Perry may be a better pro than collegian, his future is likely in the slot he is a little like Bobby Wade but faster, has good hands and quickness, he can be knocked off his route pretty easily.
Defense
#1 CB Alterraun Verner 5’10.2” 178 4.52 is a budding star, unfortunately he knows it, and can bite of more than he can chew, his straight line speed is only so-so but he has liquid hips and solid instincts he thinks Deion but Smoot or Ray Buchanan have games more like his. If he can run in mid to the high 4.4s later he’ll likely be a 1st rounder.

#23 CB Trey Brown [actually Theotis Brown III] 5’8.6” 189 4.48 is not as flashy as his young associate but he is tailor made to cover the slot, very quick with very good hands he reads routes well, gets a good break and is an adequate tackler, it’s likely he’ll go late 2nd day, after the middle of the 6th he’s a bargain.

The twin nephews of Brain Bosworth RS Sophomore DE/OLB #55 Korey 6’1.1 234 4.64looked good and reminded me of Mark Simoneau, he played out of position but held his own and JR Kyle 6’0.6 227 4.72 played some SAM but looks like a more natural MLB.

DE #44 Bruce Davis 6’2.6” 234 4.68 is smaller than USC’s starting LBs and about the same size as one of the Trojan’s safeties, he is quick but it was not enough as he was a non-factor for the most part, he seemed to almost get discouraged or worn down at some points, he has played OLB in the past and he will need to show he can cover backs and tight ends. He is a somewhat iffy projection and unlikely to go prior to the 2nd half of round 4 or early in the 5th.

#14 SS Chris Horton 6’0.3” 214 4.62 is physical and possess solid skills in all areas, his only weakness is he is not an exceptional athlete and despite a career threatening wrist injury he is a very good hitter. If he has a very good pro day he could find himself taken late in the 5th round think of Gibril Wilson but bigger.

#11 FS Dennis Keyes 6’2” 199 4.63 Horton’s mate has fine instincts against the run and is improving against the pass, he may actual be better at SS he lacks a bit in range and is more of a hitter than a form tackler. Unless he has a fantastic pro day he’s an UDFA but he has potential and could thrive in system where he is down in the box.

#33 MLB Christian Taylor 5’11.7 226 4.61 is a former prep SS and might be one again in the NFL he is undersized and has had a serious concussion inflicted on him in the Cal game, he has fantastic character, and football IQ but can he hold up at LB and is he athletic enough to play SS? He’s likely to go undrafted but he’s the kind of prospect that can make coaches fall in love with him.

#3 CB Rodney Van 5’10.7” 176 4.49 lost his starting RCB job to and truly he is better suited t the Nickel role, he has impressive coverage ability but he is hit and miss as tackler and a bit soft. His athletic ability will get him into a camp he’ll have to show more toughness to stick.

USC Offense
RS Soph WR #9 David Ausberry 6’4.5” 226 4.59 is to WRs what Crable is to OLBs, he looks even bigger than he is, and looks like he could carry another 20 pounds with ease. I would not be surprised if in a year or 2 he’s a tight end if he can do that and run sub 4.6 he has a chance at round 1. He is powerful and not very sudden but he would be a nice Heap/Winslow 2 type TE.

RS Freshman FB #31 Stanley Havili 6’0.6 223 4.61 might have been the most hyped FB in the county out of HS, but he seems to be the real deal, quick a decent blocker with great hands and like Hester he may become a 1 back. If he stays healthy he one day could be a 3rd or possibly a 2nd round selection.

Sophomore WR #7 Vidal Hazelton 6’2.6” 207 4.57 is a talented but inconsistent possession receiver, he’ll make a great catch and then drop an easy one, he could be a 2nd rounder if he works on his concentration and route running.

Sophomore TB #13 Stafon Johnson 5’11.6” 213 4.44 might be the most complete package of all the young backs at USC he has speed, power and 1 cut and go ability, he needs to learn the pick up the blitz but he has flashed 1st round potential fir the future.

Freshman #7 TB Joe McKnight 5’11.1” 184 4.39 is explosive but dances more than Denny Terrio, he can give up yardage in chunks as well as gain it since he has not learned to settle for short gains and get north-south, but he potential is HUGE, if he can gain 10-15 lbs and learn that less is more when it comes to juking he might have a 1st round in his future.

JR #1WR Patrick Turner 6’5” 228 is another big USC receiver and he has struggled with drops and in getting separation he is physically similar to Jarrett but lack the hands and body control Jarrett had, think a bigger Marquise Walker he needs to improve his hands and quickness or he won’t be more than a red-zone specialist.

LOT #79 Sam Baker 6’5.1” 311 5.06 is finally back to looking like a top 25-30 pick, he has great feet and long arms he might not have the power or nasty some might prefer, he’s a little like Khalif Barnes but more polished and not quite as athletic.

#10 QB John David Booty 6’2.7” 212 4.91 might actually be underrated, he has more snap on the ball than Matt Leinart, though not the same touch, he is accurate when clean in the pocket but can under stride and fall away from passes when pressure is in the vicinity, he is best on the move think Jake Delhomme. I think Booty will likely go in the 4th round and would do well in a system like Carolina’s.

RS JR # 53 LG Jeff Byers 6’3.2 289 5.02 is well schooled has played C and moves well he might be a valuable reserve as a pro and could be a late round pick or a priority UDFA.

#83 TE Fred Davis 6’3.6 248 4.78 has a chance to be the 2nd or 3rd TE selected, he has some Randy McMicheal to him he is smart, smooth and agile but not a seam stretcher.

ROT #60 Drew Radovich 6’5.1” 308 5.14 Has played RG as well as OT and has some of the finisher that Baker lacks, but is not as nimble and needs to put on more lower body mass and strength.

#21 TB 5’11.1 199 4.59 Hershel Dennis has been a forgotten man in the baker’s dozen TB rotation, and he will have to hope some scout remember what he was and gets a call as an UDFA, but he has good vision and moves, he has had knee problems and that will need to check out. UDFA with a chance as a Rich Alexis type change of pace back.

#22 TB/KR Desmond Reed 5’9.2 185 4.51 is like Dennis a back who once had electric ability dimmed by injury, a 2005 knee injury and he still is bothered by subsequent nerve damage in his foot and must use a unique brace in order to run. But he has very good hands and if he checks out medically he has a chance as returner and 3rd down back.

#23 TB Chauncey Washington 6’0.2” 223 4.58 Is yet another former wounded warrior at the position and he is finally looking fully healthy he has good vision, power and decent speed he is like Chris Brown of CU and the Titans.

Defense
JR OLB#10 Brian Cushing 6.3.6 245 4.66 has been injury prone but has produced whenever he is on the field, he is a natural ‘Sam’ and is like a faster Bill Romanowski has played some DE and could be a 4-3 or 3-4 OLB, if he stays healthy and has a big senior year he could sneak into the tail end of round one.

The improvement of Freshman DE Everson Griffen who combines at 6’3.2” 264 and 4.66 speed in the 40 rare power and quickness, has made USC one of the 2 or 3 best units in the nation, he could be a Charles Grant type down the road and a top 20 selection.

JR SS #4 Kevin Ellison 6’1” 224 4.68 is a thumper, he is not much in coverage but he has decent hands, he might find himself a ‘Will’ at the next level, he is rather like his brother Kevin only a little smaller. He is likely a 3rd or 4th rounder who will contribute on special teams and might be a nickel package LB.

JR CB #7 Cary Harris 5.11.7 184 4.47 Is a natural cover corner who could improve his tackling, run support and upper body strength but if he does he could be one of a host of future pros on that side of the ball. Think Chris Gamble.

JR OLB # 43 Kaluka Maiava 6’0.2 225 4.71 was formerly known for special teams tackles and because his uncle is pro wrestler/actor "The Rock" has played more due to injury to Keith Rivers and Clay Matthews Jr. Likely a future UDFA who may stick as a special teams performer.

JR MLB #55 Rey Maualuga 6’2.7” 250 4.71 is a physical monster of a Mike, but he is too aggressive at times and is overly intent on delivering the kill shot. Is not the kind of athlete Seau was and is more like a bigger, faster E.J Henderson but if he comes back and has a big senior year he is likely a top 25 pick.

Sophomore #2 FS Taylor Mays 6’3.4” 225 4.46 is yet another freak of nature that has nearly limitless potential, he is an intimidating presence but he can run stride for stride with most any WR. Mays must remember to wrap up and learn to read routes and play action but he has access to fine coaching and might be the first safety chosen when he declares.

JR DE #84 Alex Moore 6’6.2 272 4.82 would be the star on many teams, but USC is not such a team, Moore is active, nimble and athletic, he bats down and intercepts passes and blocks place kicks, he is not great against the run nor a as creative and explosive as he could be as a pass rusher, think Bo Schobel. He has 3rd/4th round potential and could improve as he gets stronger.

Freshman CB#24 Shareece Wright 5’11.3 186 4.52 played and looked like he may take over for Thomas next year, he is more quick than fast but is a quick study, he may be a 4th/5th rounder unless he improves his speed.

#96 DT Sedrick Ellis 6’1.4” 305 4.97 is the consensus #2 DT in the country and actually is a better pass rusher than Dorsey though not as powerful against the run. As always stats don’t tell the story 1 solo and 3 assist don’t explain the way he clogged the middle or pushed the pocket. In a system like the Colts Ellis is a better fit than Dorsey but he does not offer the 1gap/2gap flexibility Dorsey possesses., still he’s a 1st round lock.

#55 OLB Keith Rivers 6’2.6” 236 4.57 is a very polished complete LB, he is not the “blow you up” hitter Maualuga is or the pass rusher Cushing is but other than fighting off blocks there are no real weaknesses in his game he can cover, he fills well against the run and is rarely out of position except when he overruns the play, but he has the speed to recover. Rivers is virtually guaranteed 1st round likely in the 25-30 range.

#41 OLB Thomas Williams 6’1.5 240 4.73 has played SAM, MIKE and FB, his versatility will make him either a UDFA or a perhaps even a late 2nd day selection, he can potentially add depth at 2 or 3 positions.

Did Lawrence Jackson play?

We have Dennis Keyes in the Top 100 based on what you just saw. Are you sure he's a UDFA, Bill?

Yes Jackson had 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 TFL and looked less explosive than Fili Moala or Kyle Moore, I wonder if he's nicked? Keyes might be another All-America calibur saftey undone by a lack of speed, but Page was only about 4.63 and he's getting it done, 5th round is the best I can see unless he get faster, IMHO.
Addenda:
DE #96 Lawrence Jackson- 6'4.6" 279 4.86 seems to lack the ability to blow past blockers he had as a sophomore when he was about 20 lbs lighter. Last year he played at 280+ and it robbed him of his get off, it is only about 1/2 back in my opinion. He might be a 3-4 DE, but if you are looking for a possible bust on the USC D-Line I think he might be this year's Shaun Cody, but if he maxes out you might get Will Smith.

Great job of breaking it down BC! It seems that just about everyone on the field in this game is a prospect for the draft.

How did Fred Davis's blocking look?

I don't think he kept any chiropractors busy but with 2 or 3 exceptions runs to his side picked up good yardage, he blocks about as well as Todd Heap.

Two things on Ellis/Dorsey:

1)I don't have Ellis that far behind Dorsey at all.

2)If either of them will play 2-gap next level, I think it's Ellis since he plays the 1-technique at USC and seems to have a more squat build.

I still wouldn't take Dorsey top 5. I like him fine but he's pretty overrated. Florida ran right at him- with success- the first half(which was when they had the ball)...right through his gaps. Dorsey was also a non-factor vs. Kentucky. I won't knock him in the recent games due to his injury.

And Jackson was awful last year because he had to play the 5-technique in USC's 3-4/4-3 hybrid scheme with Cushing as the stand up end. That robbed him of his edge-rushing skills but I think he's starting to regain his SO. form and could be a nice pick-up late 1st round.

Barring something unforeseen, Taylor Mays will be a top 10 lock when he decides to come out.

Taylor Mays is the best safety prospect I have seen in my time following the draft, and that includes Laron Landry and the late Sean Taylor.

I didn't know that NFL players could get votes for the Heisman?