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Quarterback: B-
Becht went 21-32 for 289 and TD. He was accurate deep, especially to Sowell, but missed some open targets underneath. Said last week he wanted to use his legs more and got 20 yards on 10 rushes, mostly scrambles.
Running backs: C
Hansen (14-28) and Peoples (7-20) made most out of limited holes. Peoples had consecutive 8-yarders in red zone that led to TD. Hansen made nifty move on sidelines after a reception and was sacked trying to pass. No carries for Martin.
Offensive line: D
Getting brutal to watch. Not close to dominant and personnel hasn't changed. Becht was sacked just twice but flushed often. Tackles very average. Jumbo TE set sometimes masks deficiencies.
Receivers/Tight ends: B-
Sowell (4-95) becoming preferred outside target w Howard out. Eskildsen (4-70) best game until late-game fumble. Rapp (7-63-TD) good but again caught pass shy sticks. Breakout for Burkle (3-29) but Brahmer (1-4) quiet. Zay (1-18) adjusted nicely on one catch.
Offensive coaching: C
Nits scored two TDs on first three possessions and none on next six (three FGs - two after getting inside USC 20). Just 2-of-12 on third down (now ranked 97th in nation) but 5-of-5 on fourth down, including flat pass to Rapp for first TD.
Defensive line: F
Do they have one? Dropbacks: 33. Sacks: 1. Contain continues to be foreign concept to these D-ends. Kemajou with breakup and QB hurry.
Linebacker: C
Defended run better except for option TD. Rojas continues solid year with 10 game-high stops, sack and forced fumble. Tatsch out with injury.
Secondary: D-
Busted coverage on Trojans' first TD (Cooper bit, no help) and unit exposed as USC receivers too open. Safety Marcus Neal, who led Iowa State in tackles last year, didn't play as staff opted for better pass defenders.
Defensive coaching: F
Too many third-and-longs converted. Campbell's explanation of disguising strategy seemed confusing, and the play reflected as much. DC Lynn apparently more comfortable on sidelines. May not matter.
Special teams: B
Barker 3-for-3 on FGs with 48-yarder tying it at half. Punter Tiyce averaged 42 with two inside 20. Best play was alert recovery of onside kick by freshman Amarion Jackson, a WR who wears No. 9 but is No. 23 for special teams.
The other guys: B+
Aggressive by taking ball after winning coin flip and then tried onside kick to open second half. Pass game impressive, and defense stiffened in red zone. Trips to Wisconsin, Indiana, UCLA left and visits from Buckeyes, Maryland.
Overall grade: C-
Timeout management a problem as too many continue to be burned, this time on substitution rule. Offense played best it has vs. Big Ten, which should boost confidence. Defense another matter. Terrific atmosphere (record crowd of 114,419) wasted.