MY THOUGHTS.....USC

 

Ohio State was a no-show in the Halloween house of horrors that was the LA Colosseum as USC won a double-digit victory, 30-18.

                This was a strange game in that the statistics in no way reflected the score of the game.  Ohio State had over 200 yards rushing, 25 first downs, and outgained the Trojans 464-338.  Yet the red-zone troubles once again haunted this offense, settling for four Connor Hawkins field goals and scoring the lone touchdown in the fourth quarter when the margin dictated a faster pace.  The defense, uncharacteristically, gave up some big plays, including on the second play of the game, giving up a long score that set the tone for the rest of the game. 

                Bo Jackosn ran for 121 yards and Isaiah West contributed 65 but also had a costly fumble in the third quarter when it looked as though the Buckeyes were going to get back in the game.  Luke Fahey performed better than expected for his first start, not throwing an interception, but several of his throws seemed off target that would’ve gone for big gains.  The bright spot in the offense was, once again, Jeremiah Smith, hauling in 10 receptions and the lone touchdown. 

                Payton Pierce led the defensive effort with six tackles and Earl Little Jr. had five and was in the Trojans backfield quite a bit.  Jaylen McClain and Riley Pettijohn each had five stops, but the defense couldn’t get stops when they needed them.  In addition to the long touchdown play on the second play of the game, they also allowed USC to go on a couple of time-consuming drives in the second half and add field goals to pad their cushion.

                With all that said, it was clear the Buckeyes came into this game asleep and when they woke up, it was too late.  Ohio State’s CFP hopes are now hanging by a thread with Oregon coming to town next week.