LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans throws a pass during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

USC proves it belongs after top-15 win against Stanford

They're here to stay.

No. 6 USC hosted No. 14 Stanford and put a whooping on the Cardinal with a 42-24 win. The Trojans got the win thanks to over 600 yards of total offense and a very balanced attack as the rushing and passing splits were almost even. The defense was also great in the second half as it only allowed one score after giving up 17 points in the first half.

Quarterback Sam Darnold was great again, but did have a couple blemishes on his stat sheet as he threw two interceptions and had a couple other questionable throws. Having said that, he was still pretty great as he tossed four touchdowns and threw for over 300 yards against a defense that was supposed to be one of the better ones in the conference.

USC should move into a top-4 spot with a win like this and a loss like Ohio State took earlier in the night. If Darnold continues to have nights like he did tonight and cuts down on turnovers then he should definitely be considered in the Heisman race. He will lead this team, but he has great help from an excellent offensive line that both run and pass blocks very well. Ronald Jones and Stephen Carr each had over 115 yards rushing with Jones recording the two rushing touchdowns of the night.

USC will host Texas next week coming off a shutout of San Jose State and Stanford will play at San Diego State next week.