USC’s College Football Playoff Dreams Dampen in Rainy Showdown Against Notre Dame

It was a gloomy night at Notre Dame Stadium. Dark clouds settled overhead, and rain poured down as the USC Trojans faced the Fighting Irish. After 99 years of intense rivalry, this game could mark an uncertain end, with both teams hoping to continue the matchup in future seasons. Sadly, USC’s hopes for a College Football Playoff spot now hang by a thread after a 34-24 defeat.

USC Coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged his team’s struggles, saying they simply didn’t play well enough. “We had missed opportunities that make you sick right now,” he admitted.

The game had moments of promise for USC. After Notre Dame missed a field goal in the fourth quarter, USC’s quarterback, Jayden Maiava, connected with wideout Makai Lemon for a significant gain. But then, everything shifted. A risky trick play called by Riley went wrong when Lemon fumbled, allowing Notre Dame to score and seal the game.

This loss wasn’t just about a few plays. USC’s defense was overpowered by Notre Dame’s running game, which racked up 306 yards, the most under Riley’s coaching. Jeremiyah Love shone for the Irish, rushing for 228 yards and two touchdowns. USC’s run defense struggled, making it easy for Notre Dame to exploit their mistakes.

Compounding the issue, USC’s own rushing attack was nearly non-existent. While King Miller had a solid previous game, he managed only 70 yards this time, and the rest of the team’s rushing attempts resulted in negative yardage. Meanwhile, Maiava had a rough night passing, completing only 52% of his throws.

Despite the rain, USC found moments of brilliance, including a critical 59-yard touchdown pass. Yet, the joy was short-lived. On the ensuing kickoff, Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price swiftly returned the favor with a 100-yard touchdown, showcasing the unpredictability that often accompanies rivalry games.

The weather had already stirred tension before kickoff, with thunderstorms threatening to delay the match. But when the game began, it was clear that dark clouds loomed larger than just the storm.

With two losses now, the Trojans face a challenging road ahead if they still aim for the playoffs. Riley reminded his team of past examples, citing last season’s national champion, Ohio State, which rebounded after a tough rivalry loss. “Anything is possible,” he said, encouraging them to stay hopeful moving forward.

In today’s college football landscape, every game feels crucial. USC’s immediate focus remains on the present, navigating the emotional aftermath of this historic rivalry and determining their path from here.



Source link