Tanook Hines Shines in USC’s Loss to Oregon with 141 Yards
Los Angeles witnessed a remarkable performance from USC receiver Tanook Hines during a challenging game against the Oregon Ducks on November 25, 2023. Hines recorded six receptions for a season-high 141 receiving yards in the Trojans’ 42-27 defeat. This marked a significant improvement from his previous best of 67 receiving yards.
Hines’ standout moment came when he caught a touchdown pass from fellow receiver Makai Lemon on a cleverly executed trick play. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw a lateral pass to Lemon, who then delivered a precise 24-yard throw to Hines. Reflecting on the play, Hines remarked, “The throw was unreal. The chemistry was there. He knows where to put it. We automatically gelled.”
As a true freshman, Hines displayed impressive skills, achieving the 14th-best receiving grade in the NCAA FBS for Week 13 with a score of 80.7%. He was the most productive receiver for USC in this matchup. While Ja’Kobi Lane also had a strong performance with 108 receiving yards, Oregon’s defense successfully contained Lemon, limiting him to just 34 yards.
Hines expressed that playing at the collegiate level has significantly enhanced his understanding of the game. He noted that this experience improved his blocking and ability to read defenses. “I already knew (pressure) was gonna be on the way,” he said. “But I’ve been going through pressure since a child. So, like coming and seeing that – that’s nothing. It’s time for me to ball.”
USC’s Penalty Issues Resurface
The Trojans, now at 8-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten, faced issues with discipline as they matched their season-high in penalty yards during the game against Oregon. USC was penalized eight times for a total of 103 yards, equaling the penalty total from their earlier victory over Purdue. This follows a period where the team had shown signs of improvement in managing penalties, having recorded only 30 yards in penalties in their previous games against Northwestern and Iowa.
Quarterback Maiava emphasized the need for simplicity in their approach to avoid penalties. “It’s being able to dial back down on the little things, stick to the basics,” he stated. “Not do anything we’re not asked to do or out of the ordinary.”
One notable incident involved Hines receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for spinning the ball during a celebration. Although this did not prevent USC from scoring on that drive, other penalties proved more consequential. Following an interception by Oregon’s Ify Obidegwu, Lane attempted to retrieve the ball, resulting in a sideline confrontation that led to another unsportsmanlike penalty against the Trojans. This allowed Oregon to advance significantly and score.
Hines reflected on the emotional intensity of the game, which some viewed as a contest for West Coast supremacy. “Everything happens for a reason,” he concluded. “We’re on to the next. Steady grinding and steady competing.”
Lemon Named Biletnikoff Finalist
In a noteworthy development, Makai Lemon has been named one of three finalists for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, which honors the top college receiver in the nation. He joins Skyler Bell from Connecticut and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State in this recognition. Lemon leads Power Four conference players with 1,124 receiving yards and an average of 102.2 receiving yards per game, as well as ten touchdown receptions, the most in the Big Ten Conference.
USC has had one previous Biletnikoff Award winner, Marquise Lee, who received the honor in 2012. Notably, Lee is currently back at USC, completing his undergraduate degree.
The Trojans’ focus will now shift to their next game as they look to bounce back from this loss and build on the positive developments seen in players like Hines and Lemon.
