USC’s second-half woes continue: Takeaways from Trojans’ loss to UCLA
1 year, 1 month ago

USC’s second-half woes continue: Takeaways from Trojans’ loss to UCLA

LA Times  

Last season, the fourth quarter was USC’s Achilles’ heel. Hoping to turn his team into late-game closers, the USC coach adopted the mantra “the longer it goes, the better we get.” The oft-repeated saying is just empty words now after USC’s second-half tailspin hit rock bottom with a 38-20 loss to rival UCLA at the Coliseum on Saturday. “I’ve clearly not done a good enough job in the second half of the regular season getting our team ready to go,” Riley said. When asked how he can process the team’s meltdown during the second half of the season, rush end Jamil Muhammad paused for six seconds before finding the words. “As a group, we did things well, but we didn’t do enough things well to win.” Amid the slide, USC quietly updated its social media slogans.

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History of this topic

Iriafen and Watkins score 20-plus points in helping No. 5 USC rout Fresno State 89-40
1 week, 6 days ago

Iriafen and Watkins score 20-plus points in helping No. 5 USC rout Fresno State 89-40

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! 5 Southern California defeated Fresno State 89-40 on Tuesday night for the Trojans’ fifth win in a row. Takeaways Fresno St.: The Bulldogs’ only lead was four points early in the game. Key moment USC used a 16-0 run, including six by Watkins, over the …

USC gives No. 12 Oregon a scare before collapsing late in Big Ten debut
2 weeks, 6 days ago

USC gives No. 12 Oregon a scare before collapsing late in Big Ten debut

LA Times  

USC guard Chibuzo Agbo, center, steals the ball from Oregon guard TJ Bamba during the first half of the Trojans’ 68-60 loss Wednesday at Galen Center. “We can lead for 30 minutes,” Musselman said, “but it’s the last 10 minutes of play where we’re not used to winning as a unit.” USC still was clinging to a three-point lead with …

USC bench helps power Trojans to win over San José State at Galen Center
1 month ago

USC bench helps power Trojans to win over San José State at Galen Center

LA Times  

USC coach Eric Musselman, shown on the sideline earlier this season, got a boost from his bench during a win over San José State on Wednesday. Knowling slammed home the exclamation-point basket during the Trojans’ 82-68 victory over the San José State Spartans at the Galen Center on Wednesday night. “It’s our job to try to win every possession,” USC …

The Times of Troy: USC has finally learned how to deal with the NCAA
1 month ago

The Times of Troy: USC has finally learned how to deal with the NCAA

LA Times  

There are just two games, maybe three, remaining in USC’s football season, but we’re just finding our stride here at the Times of Troy newsletter. But as I read through the NCAA’s negotiated resolution with USC, it did strike me just how much USC’s approach had changed since the program’s last run-in with the NCAA. When I spoke last year …

USC football final thoughts: Dissecting another frustrating Trojans’ loss
2 months, 1 week ago

USC football final thoughts: Dissecting another frustrating Trojans’ loss

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — Once again, USC had victory within its grasp only to see it slip away in another frustrating loss, 33-30, to Penn State in overtime. Penn State tight end Tyler Warren caught a whopping 17 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown on Saturday afternoon in one of the most impressive performances I can remember against USC since …

USC final thoughts: What stood out in the Trojans’ comeback over Wisconsin?
2 months, 3 weeks ago

USC final thoughts: What stood out in the Trojans’ comeback over Wisconsin?

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — USC overcame an 11-point halftime deficit with a dominant second half and pulled away from Wisconsin for an impressive 38-21 victory on Saturday afternoon. Naturally, we have to start with USC’s offensive line since that was one of the big topics of discussion this past week. CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell reported during the second half that …

USC let Michigan off the hook, and now the Trojans’ margin for error is slim
3 months ago

USC let Michigan off the hook, and now the Trojans’ margin for error is slim

New York Times  

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — USC had the opportunity in its hands. There is bound to be a team that can run the ball enough with a quarterback who can pass for more than 32 yards — though it should be noted that USC won’t face a defense like that in an environment like this the rest of the year. USC’s …

USC takeaways: Defense, running game carry Trojans to first shutout since 2011
3 months, 2 weeks ago

USC takeaways: Defense, running game carry Trojans to first shutout since 2011

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — Letdown or lookahead performances were a constant theme across college football on Saturday. It would’ve been easy for 13th-ranked USC to fall into that trap against Utah State while on short rest after an emotional victory over LSU last Sunday. Safety Kamari Ramsey smothered Utah State’s tight end and broke up a pass on a third-and-3 to …

USC makes a big opening statement with thrilling last-minute victory over LSU
3 months, 3 weeks ago

USC makes a big opening statement with thrilling last-minute victory over LSU

LA Times  

Fatigue was setting in. USC wide receiver Kyron Hudson makes an acrobatic one-handed catch in front of LSU linebacker West Weeks during the first half Sunday. He had new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to thank, in part, for that, as USC’s defense held an opposing offense to 20 or fewer points for the first time since last September. That’s what …

No. 23 USC unveils its revamped defense in Vegas with last season’s embarrassment still stinging
3 months, 3 weeks ago

No. 23 USC unveils its revamped defense in Vegas with last season’s embarrassment still stinging

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “When you do that, you hold on to stress, sadness, anger.. Last year is not something you forget, but it’s something you learn from and move on, and that’s how we approach this year.” USC was 116th in rushing defense, while crosstown rival UCLA finished second, …

USC defeats California to advance to Pac-12 baseball tournament final
7 months ago

USC defeats California to advance to Pac-12 baseball tournament final

LA Times  

USC pitcher Josh Blum, shown here pitching against Stanford in March 2023, earned his 10th save of the season Friday in USC’s win over California in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals on Friday. Freshman Brayden Dowd hit his first career home run and finished with four RBIs, Josh Blum threw two innings of scoreless relief for his 10th save and USC …

JuJu Watkins’ double-double leads top-seeded USC over Kansas 73-55 for trip to women’s Sweet 16
8 months, 4 weeks ago

JuJu Watkins’ double-double leads top-seeded USC over Kansas 73-55 for trip to women’s Sweet 16

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins scored Southern California’s first seven points of the game, giving her team a shot of confidence. Clarice Akunwafo, who at 6-foot-6 equaled Jackson’s height, disrupted the Kansas center with a career-high six blocks among USC’s 10 in the game and even did a little scoring down the stretch. USC!” The Trojans ran off 12 straight …

Oregon beats No. 6 Arizona 67-59 to end Wildcats’ Pac-12 Tournament reign
9 months, 1 week ago

Oregon beats No. 6 Arizona 67-59 to end Wildcats’ Pac-12 Tournament reign

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Barely a minute into Friday night’s Pac-12 Tournament semifinal, Oregon watched its two-time all-conference center hit the floor hard and leave the game. But N’Faly Dante returned to the game and Oregon shut down Arizona for a 67-59 victory over the top-seeded Wildcats. They didn’t make a basket again until 3:01 into the second half — a …

USC’s NCAA tournament dreams shattered in season-ending loss to Arizona
9 months, 1 week ago

USC’s NCAA tournament dreams shattered in season-ending loss to Arizona

LA Times  

Arizona guard Caleb Love, right, drives against USC guard Bronny James during the first half of the Trojans’ 70-49 loss in the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals Thursday. A second consecutive upset would clear the biggest remaining hurdle toward USC’s hopes of winning the Pac-12 tournament and the resulting automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Ninth-seeded USC’s ambitions — and its season …

USC dismisses Arizona upset and instead focuses on sparking a Pac-12 tournament run
9 months, 1 week ago

USC dismisses Arizona upset and instead focuses on sparking a Pac-12 tournament run

LA Times  

Andy Enfield wasn’t greatly moved by a great win. “I don’t think we can take our foot off the pedal,” junior guard Kobe Johnson told reporters Saturday, “because we still got four more games to win.” Here are three things to watch for USC in the tournament: Peaking at the right time USC guard Isaiah Collier celebrates after scoring on …

USC stuns top-seeded Stanford to win women’s Pac-12 tournament title
9 months, 2 weeks ago

USC stuns top-seeded Stanford to win women’s Pac-12 tournament title

LA Times  

McKenzie Forbes threw the ball with two hands backward over her head. USC won its first Pac-12 championship since 2014, knocking off top-seeded Stanford 74-61 on Sunday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in the last conference tournament. Marshall and Kaitlyn Davis led USC’s tough effort on the boards, where the Trojans outrebounded Stanford, led by Pac-12 player of the year …

JuJu Watkins leads USC to exciting double-OT win over UCLA in Pac-12 tournament
9 months, 2 weeks ago

JuJu Watkins leads USC to exciting double-OT win over UCLA in Pac-12 tournament

LA Times  

USC guard JuJu Watkins drives on UCLA guard Camryn Brown during the first half of the Trojans’ 80-70 double-overtime victory over UCLA in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals Friday. From being picked to finish sixth in the Pac-12 preseason poll to earning the program’s highest seed in the conference tournament, USC is one win away from its first conference title since …

No. 18 Utah beats JuJu Watkins and No. 7 USC 74-68, snapping Trojans’ 7-game winning streak
9 months, 4 weeks ago

No. 18 Utah beats JuJu Watkins and No. 7 USC 74-68, snapping Trojans’ 7-game winning streak

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — After three seasons at Southern California, including being Pac-12 freshman of the year, Alissa Pili left for Utah. “Just a total toughness win for us.” JuJu Watkins scored 30 points, going 10 of 30 from the floor and 1 of 6 from 3-point range for the Trojans. “She lays it all out on the line every single …

USC knows rebounding ‘is not necessarily natural for a lot of guys.’ How to fix it?
10 months ago

USC knows rebounding ‘is not necessarily natural for a lot of guys.’ How to fix it?

LA Times  

“They work hard, they’re trying to be tough,” coach Andy Enfield says of his Trojans, “but the rebounding thing is not necessarily natural for a lot of guys.” After a sixth consecutive loss, Andy Enfield’s patience appeared to be wearing thin. “They work hard, they’re trying to be tough,” the coach said, “but the rebounding thing is not necessarily natural …

USC gives up 16-point lead then loses double-OT heartbreaker to Colorado
10 months, 1 week ago

USC gives up 16-point lead then loses double-OT heartbreaker to Colorado

LA Times  

USC guard Isaiah Collier shoots over Colorado forward Cody Williams during the first half of the Trojans’ 92-89 loss in double overtime Saturday at Galen Center. He turned his head toward Colorado’s bench, where coach Tad Boyle jumped twice in the air and raised both fists as Ellis’ potential game-tying three missed at the buzzer. The Trojans squandered a 16-point …

Watkins scores 32 and No. 10 USC pulls away in 3rd to beat Arizona 81-64 for its 4th straight win
10 months, 1 week ago

Watkins scores 32 and No. 10 USC pulls away in 3rd to beat Arizona 81-64 for its 4th straight win

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — With under a month left in the regular season, JuJu Watkins has about seen it all from opposing defenses. “JuJu is so spectacular, people are going to come with all different game plans,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “For him to know our names and how we’re doing is insane.” Watkins scored nine points in the third …

Tyson scores 27, Celestine clutch in OT as Cal tops USC 83-77 after blowing 16-point lead
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Tyson scores 27, Celestine clutch in OT as Cal tops USC 83-77 after blowing 16-point lead

Associated Press  

BERKELEY, Calif. — Jaylon Tyson had 27 points, Jalen Celestine had six of his 11 points in overtime and California defeated Southern California 83-77 after blowing a 16-point lead in the second half on Wednesday night. The Trojans missed their last three shots, including Fardaws Aimaq’s block on Isaiah Collier with 27 seconds left and the Bears up 80-77. Collier …

With Lauren Betts still out, UCLA can’t keep pace with Stanford in loss
10 months, 2 weeks ago

With Lauren Betts still out, UCLA can’t keep pace with Stanford in loss

LA Times  

UCLA guard Kiki Rice drives to the basket in front of Stanford guard Hannah Jump during the second half of the Bruins’ 80-60 loss Sunday. “We have to figure it out.” Close said discussions are underway and went on this weekend with Cal and Stanford about future home-and-home matchups for nonconference play. “And we’ve got some hard choices that need …

Oregon beats USC 78-69, sending Trojans to 6th straight loss in longest skid since 2014-15 season
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Oregon beats USC 78-69, sending Trojans to 6th straight loss in longest skid since 2014-15 season

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Jackson Shelstad scored 20 points, tying his career high with four 3-pointers, and Oregon defeated Southern California 78-69 on Thursday night, sending the Trojans to their sixth straight loss. Boogie Ellis scored 17 points to lead the Trojans, who are on their longest skid since dropping nine in a row in 2014-15. USC’s Bronny James finished with …

Love scores 20 points, No. 12 Arizona beats USC 82-67 for latest bounce-back win
11 months ago

Love scores 20 points, No. 12 Arizona beats USC 82-67 for latest bounce-back win

Associated Press  

TUCSON, Ariz. — Kevin Durant sat in the front row. ‘Offensively, we’ve got to go hard whether we’re making shots or not,” said Arizona’s Keshad Johnson, who had 10 points and 13 rebounds. James tried to carry the Trojans, scoring nine of his 11 points in the first half despite being booed by Arizona’s students every time he touched the …

Love leads No. 12 Arizona against USC after 28-point game
11 months, 1 week ago

Love leads No. 12 Arizona against USC after 28-point game

Associated Press  

USC Trojans at Arizona Wildcats Tucson, Arizona; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EST FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Wildcats -19.5; over/under is 159 BOTTOM LINE: No. Arizona scores 91.2 points, 16.8 more per game than the 74.4 USC gives up. USC averages 76.8 points per game, 4.9 more than the 71.9 Arizona gives up. LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 6-4, averaging 88.7 points, 42.5 rebounds, …

No. 2 UCLA at No. 9 USC: Will JuJu Watkins and the Trojans strike back?
11 months, 1 week ago

No. 2 UCLA at No. 9 USC: Will JuJu Watkins and the Trojans strike back?

LA Times  

It has been almost four years since it happened, but Camryn Brown doesn’t forget. The UCLA guard can’t forget that two-point, double-overtime loss to USC at Galen Center during which the Bruins scored just two points in the second quarter and played without All-American Michaela Onyenwere. “That game is tied in there,” Brown said, pointing to her temple, “deep.” It’s …

USC falls apart at the end and loses to Washington State, can’t build on winning streak
11 months, 2 weeks ago

USC falls apart at the end and loses to Washington State, can’t build on winning streak

LA Times  

Boogie Ellis walked stiffly into the postgame interview room, dragging his left leg behind him the same way the fifth-year senior is trying to drag an underachieving USC team into the postseason picture. Ellis fought through a lingering hamstring injury to score 18 points with five rebounds, but lacked his usual explosiveness to make key shots down the stretch in …

No. 9 USC rallies late behind JuJu Watkins to beat Oregon
11 months, 2 weeks ago

No. 9 USC rallies late behind JuJu Watkins to beat Oregon

LA Times  

USC showed it has multiple options to deliver when it counts, using a complete-team effort for a victory that helped the Trojans regain some momentum. “You know, we talked about it after the UCLA game that the next 17 are the most important and the only ones we can attack right now are the two in front of us,” USC …

JuJu Watkins scores 28 as No. 9 USC rallies to send Oregon State to its first loss
11 months, 2 weeks ago

JuJu Watkins scores 28 as No. 9 USC rallies to send Oregon State to its first loss

LA Times  

USC guard JuJu Watkins, shown here controlling the ball against UCLA on Dec. 30, finished with 28 points in the Trojans’ 56-54 win over Oregon State at Galen Center on Friday night. JuJu Watkins was able to rally USC into the lead early in the fourth quarter Friday night against Oregon State. Kayla Padilla connected for two crucial three-pointers in …

Troy Trojans once again rebound from rough start to make Sun Belt title game, facing App State
1 year ago

Troy Trojans once again rebound from rough start to make Sun Belt title game, facing App State

News 18  

The Troy Trojans lost on a Hail Mary the last time they faced Appalachian State and were perfect the rest of the way. “I’m happy that App State won and we get to play them in the championship game, because who doesn’t love a good comeback story and a redemption story?” Troy safety Dell Pettus said. Last year they wrapped …

UCLA routs spiraling USC 38-20 in Los Angeles’ crosstown showdown
1 year, 1 month ago

UCLA routs spiraling USC 38-20 in Los Angeles’ crosstown showdown

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! I told the guys in the locker room I’ve clearly not done a good enough job in the second half of the season getting this team ready to go.. We just didn’t play good enough in any way.” Riley has lost three straight games for the …

Short-handed No. 16 USC falls at home to a veteran UC Irvine squad
1 year, 1 month ago

Short-handed No. 16 USC falls at home to a veteran UC Irvine squad

LA Times  

USC guard Isaiah Collier reacts after he’s called for an offensive foul during the Trojans’ loss to UC Irvine on Tuesday night. “We played well enough in that game two years ago to win, but we didn’t rebound well enough,” Irvine coach Russell Turner said. “I felt like the fight, the effort and physicality that we showed against a bigger, …

USC vs. Oregon takeaways: Hope vanishes with injuries and mistakes
1 year, 1 month ago

USC vs. Oregon takeaways: Hope vanishes with injuries and mistakes

LA Times  

The door technically was still cracked open, his team’s Pac-12 Conference title hopes still intact. “That’s the difference.” Even as USC’s defense stabilized somewhat in the second half, the two deep touchdowns would underscore what has now become an unimpeachable truth about this USC season. “It’s tough,” wideout Tahj Washington said, “just living with the ride of what is versus …

Commentary: For USC and UCLA football fans, misery will find easy company at Coliseum
1 year, 1 month ago

Commentary: For USC and UCLA football fans, misery will find easy company at Coliseum

LA Times  

A year ago, when USC visited UCLA at the Rose Bowl, it felt like the start of something great. It’s hard to fathom given Riley’s standing among USC fans just six weeks ago, but they might now be more mad about the state of affairs than UCLA backers. USC fans have become so disillusioned so quickly that beating the Bruins, …

Caleb Williams, USC effectively eliminated from Pac-12 title race with loss to Oregon
1 year, 1 month ago

Caleb Williams, USC effectively eliminated from Pac-12 title race with loss to Oregon

LA Times  

USC coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams talk during the first half of the Trojans’ 36-27 road loss to Oregon on Saturday night. “It’s the first game we’ve played here at USC where we’re out of the championship race,” Riley said of next Saturday’s rivalry game against UCLA at the Coliseum. It’s one play here or there — that’s …

‘It’s a one-game season right now’: USC vs. Oregon four things to watch
1 year, 1 month ago

‘It’s a one-game season right now’: USC vs. Oregon four things to watch

LA Times  

Under Pete Carroll, USC famously had “Tell The Truth Mondays.” The weekly sessions were intended for unvarnished recaps of the previous weekend’s game that helped the team process the highs and lows of each performance. Last month, safety Calen Bullock said he didn’t watch the final drive against Utah when the Trojans gave up a game-winning field goal. “It’s a …

Fired too late, Alex Grinch’s last stand ends USC’s season
1 year, 1 month ago

Fired too late, Alex Grinch’s last stand ends USC’s season

LA Times  

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch yells at the defense after it gave up a Washington touchdown on third and 18 during the Trojans’ 52-42 loss Saturday at the Coliseum. USC quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Lincoln Riley make their way to the field at the Coliseum before Saturday’s loss to Washington. “I understand the question, I know it’s y’all’s question …

USC can’t keep up with Washington in scoring spree, crippling its Pac-12 title hopes
1 year, 1 month ago

USC can’t keep up with Washington in scoring spree, crippling its Pac-12 title hopes

LA Times  

Washington running back Dillon Johnson scores on a 52-yard run in front of USC safety Calen Bullock in the second quarter of the Trojans’ 52-42 loss at the Coliseum on Saturday night. The Trojans’ defense managed a rare stop, forcing Washington to settle for a field goal, and USC drove into Husky territory down three with a chance to seize …

No. 24 USC rallies late, gets last-minute stop to beat Cal 50-49 and snap skid
1 year, 1 month ago

No. 24 USC rallies late, gets last-minute stop to beat Cal 50-49 and snap skid

LA Times  

USC defensive end Jamil Muhammad celebrates with safety Bryson Shaw after the Trojans broke up a two-point conversion attempt in the final minute of their 50-49 win over Cal on Saturday. Safety Jaylin Smith capped the chaotic game with a game-sealing pass breakup on Cal’s two-point conversion attempt with 58 seconds remaining, after USC battled back from a 14-point, fourth-quarter …

USC vs. Cal four things to watch: Trojans still in Pac-12 title hunt
1 year, 1 month ago

USC vs. Cal four things to watch: Trojans still in Pac-12 title hunt

LA Times  

The vibes, as the kids say, were off. Even when USC was undefeated, putting up record-breaking numbers on offense behind a quarterback still favored to win his second Heisman, nothing felt good enough. Coach Lincoln Riley pushed his team to “play on our own terms,” but his attempts to ignore and isolate from outside criticism grew futile. USC is still …

With heartbreaking, last-second loss, USC falls to 0-3 vs. Utah in Lincoln Riley era
1 year, 2 months ago

With heartbreaking, last-second loss, USC falls to 0-3 vs. Utah in Lincoln Riley era

LA Times  

USC quarterback Caleb Williams tries to avoid being sacked by Utah defensive end Jonah Elliss during the first half of the Trojans’ 34-32 loss at the Coliseum on Saturday night. Saturday night was supposed to be USC’s best shot for catharsis after two devastating defeats a season ago, its best chance to land a return punch on Utah, the team …

USC vs. Utah five things to watch: Trojans plan to ‘attack it harder’ after loss
1 year, 2 months ago

USC vs. Utah five things to watch: Trojans plan to ‘attack it harder’ after loss

LA Times  

Behind closed gates and high walls, everything looks great for USC. Emboldened by their first loss of the year, the Trojans returned to the practice field with “a little more edge,” offensive lineman Jonah Monheim said, “a little more fire.” But Monheim knows just being the team that practices well when no one is around to see it won’t make …

USC takeaways: Offensive line miscues helped fuel Trojans’ ugly loss at Notre Dame
1 year, 2 months ago

USC takeaways: Offensive line miscues helped fuel Trojans’ ugly loss at Notre Dame

LA Times  

Justin Dedich wandered alone in the aftermath, cameras capturing the moment as Irish fans flooded the field and USC’s sixth-year senior center weaved his way between them toward the tunnel one last time. Dedich had come to Notre Dame Stadium three times now in his USC tenure, and each successive trip to South Bend had left the Trojans devastated and …

Four takeaways from USC’s triple-overtime win against Arizona
1 year, 2 months ago

Four takeaways from USC’s triple-overtime win against Arizona

LA Times  

Don’t worry that Mason Cobb’s rib popped out of place. 9 Trojans at the Coliseum on Saturday by enveloping the Arizona running back on a tackle with USC defensive back Prophet Brown during Arizona’s final two-point conversion attempt. “The defense preaches ‘the longer we go, the better we get,’ ” said safety Calen Bullock, who delivered a critical pass breakup …

USC vs. Arizona 4 things to watch: Trojans jump start run game
1 year, 2 months ago

USC vs. Arizona 4 things to watch: Trojans jump start run game

LA Times  

The record is perfect. … You’ve gotta own the good with the bad.” Two uneven road performances have shown the No. The same shaky defense that plagued them last year reared its head last week as Colorado nearly shocked the Trojans by slashing a 27-point lead to seven. With four games against teams currently ranked in the top 25 still …

‘It’s embarrassing.’ Defensive woes threaten to derail USC’s title aspirations
1 year, 2 months ago

‘It’s embarrassing.’ Defensive woes threaten to derail USC’s title aspirations

LA Times  

Colorado tight end Michael Harrison is lifted by offensive tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan after scoring a touchdown against USC in the third quarter of the Trojans’ 48-41 win Saturday. Its superstar quarterback was well into whipping up his weekly wizardry, piling up easy points and slinging four first-half touchdown passes on his way to a career-high-tying half-dozen, when USC’s defense had …

USC vs. Arizona State takeaways: Will defense once again shatter CFP dreams?
1 year, 3 months ago

USC vs. Arizona State takeaways: Will defense once again shatter CFP dreams?

LA Times  

Through three weeks and three lopsided blowouts, USC grew accustomed to finishing its Saturdays in cruise control. Even USC’s much-maligned defense looked stout, shutting down the likes of San José State, Nevada and Stanford, the latter two of which it held to a combined 24 points. As the rest of the Pac-12’s contenders offered resounding statements of their strength — …

USC football keeps winning, but Trojans will need more vs. top Pac-12 teams
1 year, 3 months ago

USC football keeps winning, but Trojans will need more vs. top Pac-12 teams

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Deion Sanders and Colorado vs. USC in Week 5 college football action. USC’s defense surrendered 28 points to an offense that was on its third-string quarterback and scored only 24 points against Southern Utah when it was healthy, not extremely banged up like it was this week. The unit that couldn’t tackle against Utah …

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