USC's freshman running back Quinten Joyner takes off on a 75-yard touchdown run against Penn State last Saturday at the Coliseum. Looking on in the background is Penn State head coach James Franklin.
Trojan quarterback Miller Moss needs to find a way to help USC win close games. Here he runs out of the pocket to complete a pass against Wisconsin last month in the Coliseum.
College football weekends are like unopened gifts, each bringing new surprises. This season has been a roller coaster, filled with unpredictability in outcomes across the country. For this reason, no single game can define a team or a season. However, the aftermath of USC's recent loss to third-ranked Penn State raises important questions about the team's direction.
Currently standing at 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten, many fans are eager to assign blame. Critics have scrutinized the loss to Penn State, labeling it the second consecutive fourth-quarter meltdown. The week before the Penn State game USC was outscored 14-0 in the fourth quarter against an unranked Minnesota team, resulting in a 24-17 defeat. The only bad loss on USC's schedule was against Minnesota. Their other two defeats were closely contested games, a 27-24 loss to No. 24 Michigan and a recent nail-biter against Penn State that ended 33-30 in overtime.
In the game against Penn State, USC built a two-touchdown lead at halftime and held a seven-point advantage late in the fourth quarter. They entered Nittany Lion territory with a chance to win in the final minutes of regulation before quarterback Miller Moss threw an interception. Despite their missed opportunities, USC lost to a team many consider one of the best in the nation. "I understand that good is not going to be seen by the outside world right now because they're going to focus on our record," head coach Lincoln Riley said after the game last Saturday. "We've got to do a better job at the end of games. I have to do a better job, our coaches, our players."
With their current record, USC is no longer a realistic contender for the College Football Playoff. Even if they were to win out, making the expanded 12-team field seems unlikely. When questioned about his responsibility for the state of the program, Riley responded firmly. "It always falls to me. I always take it. I'm the head coach."
The game against Penn State was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Riley showcased his offensive genius, drawing up plays that exploited USC's speed at skill positions without exposing the team's pass protection issues. A highlight was a first-quarter fake reverse that fooled much of Penn State's defense, allowing freshman Quinten Joyner to break free for a 75-yard touchdown run.
However, the second half revealed vulnerabilities that Penn State exploited effectively. Senior tight end Tyler Warren had a record-breaking night, catching 17 passes for 224 yards. Time after time, USC's secondary lost track of him, leading to big plays, including a 32-yard touchdown reception where Warren slipped past defenders undetected.
As USC moves forward, the focus must be on consistency and addressing weaknesses on both sides of the ball. With a mix of talent and potential, the Trojans still have a chance to turn their season around. Strengthening their late-game execution and minimizing mistakes will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
USC's heads to Maryland on Saturday to face a Terrapin team that's 0-3 in the Big TEN but has an identical record as USC of 3-3 on the season.
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