USC's Season Overview

USC’s inaugural season in the Big Ten is shaping up to be a turbulent one, as they suffered yet another heartbreaking defeat, falling to 4-5 overall and 2-5 within the conference after a close 26-21 loss to Washington on Saturday night. This marks the fifth time this season that the Trojans have lost by a single possession, raising serious questions about their ability to close out games.

Coach Riley's Reflections

In his postgame conference, head coach Lincoln Riley addressed the media’s inquiries about his team's struggles, emphasizing the need for USC to execute better in critical moments. "It's not like we're getting our ass kicked; we're just not making the plays we need to win," he stated.

Missed Opportunities

The Trojans found themselves frequently in a position to seize victory against a Washington team that fielded a markedly different lineup than the one that participated in last year's national championship. However, USC repeatedly stumbled at pivotal moments. An early opportunity to score foundered when quarterback Miller Moss, who had an otherwise promising performance, threw an interception just after the Trojans advanced the ball into Washington territory. Moments later, a missed field goal further compounded their problems.

Game Flow

At halftime, the Huskies led by 13 points. However, the Trojans rallied back in the third quarter, taking a 21-20 lead after consecutive touchdowns. Unfortunately, as the game drew to a close, the USC offense faltered once again, unable to sustain momentum. A critical interception by Moss handed Washington favorable field position, leading to the go-ahead touchdown.

Final Moments

The tension reached its peak during the final moments of the game. After a grueling 15-play drive that brought USC within striking distance, the Trojans faced a daunting goal-line stand. Ultimately, a failed series of four consecutive passes from the 14-yard line ended their hopes of a last-minute victory, leaving them with frustration and disappointment.

Comparative Success

This latest defeat marks only Washington's third home victory in their campaign, following a previous loss to in-state rival Washington State. Meanwhile, for USC, Riley's remarks echo a season-long struggle where the inability to convert opportunities into points has consistently undermined their chances. Earlier games illustrated this trend: a near-miss against Michigan, a last-minute surrender to Minnesota, an overtime defeat to Penn State, and a late collapse against Maryland, all serving as stark reminders of their troubles in the clutch.

Looking Ahead

Now, with bowl eligibility on the line, the Trojans must secure wins in two out of their remaining three games against Nebraska, UCLA, and Notre Dame. Adding to their woes, the Bruins recently triumphed over Nebraska while Notre Dame sits confidently at 7-1.

Conclusion

Can USC regroup and fight their way back into contention, or are they destined to remain on the sidelines come bowl season? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Trojans must find a way to turn their fortunes around before it's too late.