Danelo Finally Gets His Kicks

Two short field goals might not seem like much, but for USC kicker Mario Danelo, it represents an offensive outburst.

Danelo made kicks of 27 and 22 yards during the Trojans’ 55-13 victory over Washington State at the Coliseum on Saturday, the first time in his short career that he has made multiple field goals.

For much of the season, the sophomore has sufficed with mop-up work for the Trojans’ powerful offense, converting 53 of 55 extra points.

As for longer attempts, he was only three of four before Saturday and had, on numerous occasions, watched his team go for it on fourth down in the red zone.

“This feels really good,” he said Saturday. “I’ve been waiting for opportunities and I finally got them.”

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Starting weak-side linebacker Keith Rivers hoped to recapture the form he displayed in a 12-tackle performance against Notre Dame two weeks ago, but he was sidelined for most of the game for the second consecutive week because of hamstring tightness.

“I felt pain on the first kickoff return and tried to play through it, but I just couldn’t,” said Rivers, who made one tackle.

Collin Ashton once again filled in for Rivers and finished with seven tackles.

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Freshman running back Michael Coleman scored his first touchdown on a six-yard run that completed the scoring.

Coleman finished with 26 yards in five carries.

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Tight end Dominique Byrd suffered a hip injury, offensive lineman Winston Justice a shoulder sprain and linebacker Thomas Williams an ankle sprain. All are expected to play next week, a USC official said.... USC gained 745 yards, the most ever surrendered by Washington State.