USC’s Smith-Schuster enjoys a big game

USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster did not let a surgical procedure on his hand slow him down.

The sophomore started Saturday night against Arizona and caught eight passes, including one for a 72yard touchdown in the first half in USC’s 38-30 victory at the Coliseum.

Smith-Schuster finished with 138 yards receiving, all but 16 coming in the first half.

Smith-Schuster left early in the third quarter because of an apparent leg injury. He then ran from the sideline to the locker room, but returned and caught two passes.

Smith-Schuster, the Trojans’ top receiver, suffered a fracture in his right hand during the team’s 27-21 victory at California on Oct. 31. He had surgery Monday. Smith-Schuster’s status for the game was in doubt because he did not practice Tuesday and then did light work Wednesday without catching passes. He was fitted with a soft cast Thursday.

Quarterback Cody Kessler did not waste time looking for Smith-Schuster. On USC’s first play, they connected for a seven-yard gain.

Smith-Schuster had another seven-yard reception and converted a third down with a 15-yard catch in the first quarter.

Smith-Schuster’s biggest play came in the second quarter after USC safety John Plattenburg intercepted a pass by Anu Solomon.

It was Plattenburg ’s second interception of the season.

On the ensuing play, Kessler faked a handoff, then dropped back and hit Smith-Schuster streaking down the middle of the field for a touchdown that pulled the Trojans to within 14-10.

Woods steps up

Senior nose tackle Antwaun Woods had helped lead USC’s defensive line in improved performances against Utah and Cal.

Woods got his first sack of the season against Arizona.

Woods sacked Solomon in the first quarter for a four-yard loss.

Two plays later, he combined with lineman Delvon Simmons for another sack. Woods also had a sack

Pelon is back

Defensive lineman Claude Pelon, who was sidelined for three games because of a knee injury, returned against the Wildcats.

Pelon, a senior, made a key tackle in the third quarter when he stopped running back Orlando Bradford short of the first down on a fourthand-two play at midfield.

Pelon finished with four tackles.

Happy homecoming

Mike Garrett, the 1965 Heisman Trophy winner and former USC athletic director, was honored on the field in recognition of the 50th anniversary of his Heisman victory.

Garrett received a standing ovation.

Garrett was replaced by Pat Haden as athletic director in August 2010, two months after the NCAA cited USC for a “lack of institutional control” during his tenure.

Garrett also received a warm reception at USC’s annual “Salute to Troy” event in August honoring the Trojans’ 1965 team.

Jackson returns

Former USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson led the Trojans out of the tunnel and onto the field. Jackson was a first-round NFL draft pick in 2008.