USC’s Javorius Allen fights for 154 yards in win over Stanford

PALO ALTO — USC tailback Javorius Allen rushed for a career-best 154 yards Saturday in the Trojans’ 13-10 victory over Stanford at Stanford Stadium.

It was Allen’s sixth 100-yard rushing effort and his second this season.

Allen rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown against Fresno State in the opener.

Allen, who lost a fumble against Fresno State, fumbled on his first carry against Stanford. But lineman Zach Banner recovered for the Trojans.

Allen thanked Coach Steve Sarkisian for keeping him in the game.

“That’s what I love in Coach Sark, he sees the dog in me,” Allen said. “He knows I’ll fight for every inch.”

Justin Davis rushed for 20 yards in eight carries and scored a first-quarter touchdown.

Pullard ejected

Senior linebacker Hayes Pullard was ejected near the end of the third quarter after officials called a penalty for targeting. Pullard hit Stanford’s Ty Montgomery in the head on a kickoff return.

“When they called targeting I was like, ‘Man, I’ve got to learn from that situation,’” he said. “So after the game the first thing I did was run out there and apologize to Ty Montgomery.

“Whatever happens, I have to deal with it.”

Under NCAA rules, Pullard will have to sit out the first half of USC’s next game Saturday at Boston College.

Pullard said he listened the end of the game on the radio in the Trojans’ locker room. When he heard that J.R. Tavai had sacked Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan and forced a fumble in the final minute, Pullard took off to join teammates.

“I ran right through the tunnel and onto the field,” he said. “I just knew it was promising when I heard ‘Fumble’ and USC fans screaming.”

Kessler efficient

Quarterback Cody Kessler guided the Trojans to victory over Stanford for the second consecutive season.

Kessler, who passed for four touchdowns and 394 yards in the opener against Fresno State, completed 15 of 22 passes for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions Saturday.

He was sacked twice.

“It wasn’t the prettiest win, but these guys fought so hard and never gave up,” Kessler said. “As a quarterback, that’s all you can ask from your team.”

Agholor steps up

Receiver Nelson Agholor caught a career-best nine passes for 91 yards, including a 29-yard reception that helped set up Andre Heidari’s winning fourth-quarter field goal.

“It’s one play at a time,” Agholor said. “I couldn’t even tell how many catches I’ve got. I would just know the last one I caught because that’s the most important one to me.”

Quick hits

Freshman Damien Mama, who was nursing a knee injury, started at right guard for the second consecutive game Defensive lineman Greg Townsend Jr. did not attend the game after being diagnosed with chicken pox, USC said.

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