USC linebacker Rey Maualuga, one of the top players at his position in the nation and a former freshman at St. Bonaventure High, was impressed by the reserve defense's performance Thursday.

And perhaps a little underwhelmed by his teammates on offense.

"The Cardinal team's defense stepped it up very good. They held the offense here and there. They did they're job. I'm very impressed. We've just got a lot to work on. At the offensive line and quarterback position, we've got a lot to fix."