The game: OSU vs. USC. OSU came in with a big reputation and proved to be hard to handle on defense. USC actually had more yards 413 to 277, better 3rd and 4th down conversion of 8-22 vs. 3-14, But two important stats in a tough game went all to OSU: Turnovers gained were for OSU 4-1, and sacks OSU 8-3. On turnovers 3 ended up netting the Buckeyes 21 points (of 24) and 1 ended up netting the Trojans 7 points (all they had). USC moved the ball better including first downs (23-13) but the drives were usually ending in turnovers (4), or sacks followed by punts (2) and 2 fumbles (one at OSU 14) and a turnover on downs (at OSU 11). USC also had a missed chip shot FG. The OSU offense was sort of mundane due to the USC D. JT Barrett averaged 4.1 ypc and Dobbins averaged 3.0 ypc with a 7 yard longest run. The USC offense just couldn't complete the job. For those saying Ohio State was that good and USC was that bad-pretty incomplete analysis IMO- ultimately USC lost to a combination of Ohio State's great defense and USC mistakes. The SEC refs held back on penalties (6 total) but called PI differently at times and spotted the ball poorly on at least 3 critical occasions.
The season: 11-3 (.786). Pac12 Champion. Disappointing, since USC was a top 4 choice, and a bad bowl ending no doubt. But USC is one of only 7 power 5 teams to win 11 or more (Clemson 12-1, Oklahoma 12-1, TCU 11-3, OSU 12-2, Wisconsin 12-1, Georgia 12-1, Alabama 11-1), 4 others have a chance with a game left (Miami 10-2. PSU 10-2, UW 10-2, Auburn 11-1). But the cry will be "what about the PAC12 record in the bowls". First off 40 bowls , 80 teams is way too much, and teams from the PAC12 also should not have been in, IMO they were ASU, UCLA, and Oregon. WSU without QB Falk was also a question. But bowl records are not always revealing. Last year the Big 10 was 3-7, the SEC was 6-7 yet no crying about that. This year the SEC is 0-4 in bowl games, but 2 SEC teams were in the final 4.The USC highs were the 2 Stanford wins, and sweeping the P12 south (particularly Utah and Arizona). The lows were the debacle at Notre Dame (who resembles Ohio State in its game approach) and the close late loss at WSU. With a very young OL, depleted DL, and a young secondary USC did well.
Looking ahead: Now the crystal ball. QB Darnold-does he go? After reinforcing some doubters on his bad decisions (resulting in turnovers) last night was not what he would want. This after Coach Helton pre-game was talking about getting the passes off quickly because of the OSU rush With a good club coming back and about 4 high round QBs in competition this year, he may want to come back. Ronald Jones….likely to go IMO. But USC will be loaded at RB. Receivers lose steady Mitchell but brings back most everyone- and it's a deep unit. Unlike last year, the OL loses Center Falah and Talamaivo, that’s it. On D the losses are Nwosu- USCs best defender, Fatu, and Chris Hawkins. The OOC schedule has Texas away (moderate problem) but ND and UNLV at home. In the PAC12 USC plays Oregon State away and Washington State at home. Overall that schedule part is navigable. In the P12 south, UCLA (away) is rebuilding and has Coach Kelly, which could be interesting if they have a Kelly- type QB (Transfer). UA (Away) has an improving QB in Tate , and Utah (away) are potential challenges. Colorado and Cal are at home. A little tougher schedule than this year. But a possible top 5 recruiting class will help a lot.
