Analysis: USC comes full circle with win over Washington

USC had a nightmare start to the season. A 52-3 loss to Alabama, followed by losses to Stanford and Utah, resulted in many Trojan fans panicking over the 1-3 start.

USC had the opportunity to follow other programs like Notre Dame and Michigan State, who can't find their identities or win games. Instead, the Trojans regrouped, made key changes and now are the best team in the Pac-12.

On Saturday, USC came full circle from the beginning of the season by beating Washington 26-13. In doing so, it illustrated its growth in key areas.

The biggest of which has been the Trojans' defense. This was a unit that gave up 465 total yards to Alabama. Against the Huskies' potent offensive attack, USC's defense dominated the line of scrimmage. Washington headed into the contest averaging at least 200 rushing yards a game, but the Trojans held them to 17.

This was all-around domination by one of the most improved defenses in the country.

However, this is just one part of the Trojans' development. The other comes from the offense and freshman quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold took over as the starter against Utah, and since then, USC has gone 6-1, with that first start his only loss. Darnold belies his experience by delivering consistently. He is completing 68 percent of his passes and has 22 touchdown passes. Most importantly, he has only thrown six interceptions, illustrating his great decision-making abilities.

This stunning reversal is a testament to Clay Helton and his staff's ability to keep their players focused when things were not going well.

Meanwhile, Washington is in deep trouble. Though this was its first loss of the season, it couldn't have come at a worse time. The Huskies played the fourth easiest schedule to this point, according to FPI. Therefore, an easy schedule combined with playing an upstart USC squad led to a perfect storm. But it also raises the question: Since this is arguably the Huskies' toughest challenge to this point, how legit are they?

The Huskies still control their destiny as it concerns the Pac-12 North division race. The Huskies must win out, including the conference title game, to have a chance to play in the College Football Playoff.

This weekend was chaotic with three of the top four teams losing. What shouldn't be lost in the undercurrent is the fact USC is playing some of the best football in the country right now. Going from 1-3 to six straight wins is a remarkable achievement for a program making strides to build on its storied history.