While USC’s biggest strength exploited its biggest weakness over about a 100-play scrimmage Saturday, an uncertain but perhaps more significant battle transpired in the trenches. The Trojans’ rushing offense and defense, only two of their biggest issues in 2018, were put to the test through the course of 20 possessions at Howard Jones Field.

The numbers, tallied to the best of my ability from the media pen, suggest the rushing defense won. Handily.

USC’s offense ran nearly 40 percent of the time, which is what Clay Helton said in spring was the plan. In 32 carries with the running backs -- about another dozen were QB runs that didn’t appear to be called but improvised -- 21 of the traditional run plays were stopped for either a short gain or loss. Yards were especially hard to find between the tackles.

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Helton would say afterward he feels better at this juncture about his rushing offense than rushing defense, but perhaps because of his expectations for the respective units.