Most significant loss in Trojan history
Since 2002 I keep reading "In PC We Trust" but always the question was would USC be the same when after back-to-back it lost its DC and OC, Davis and Big O. SI magazine predicted the fall.
The effect on recruiting was there from Texas game. Then more from 13-9, Stanford and now this. Yes USC got great players but all teams do as there is so many of them. What is visible is less wins over key players sought. For top recruits landed there was a better one that got away. And even as to big recruit wins many have never reached dream potential.
USC will not be the team of the decade. Florida or LSU with next championship will take that spot. USC's choke record is just too long. The greatest dynasty since Wooden era kept fouling and dribbling out of bounds.
Importantly the media sees it and will not trust a Trojan team again. Remember last year was supposed to be best ever in CF and this year PC's best ever. Will they ever anoint a Trojan team again as this one. After four years of self-destruct, I thing they have had enough drooling over PC and his system. As the old announcer said, "they only lose when they get arrogant and sloppy."
Before the season posters called this best ever defense. But compare this D-line with BKU Cody and PATTERSON. The o-line weakness (experience) finally showed. And Lofa and Groots would have handled Rogers.
USC's offense remains predictable and sometimes stupid (McNight on 3rd and 7). It still has talent at WR but can't get separation. Ohio state shut down WRs..most passes were dump offs. Beavers shut down everything.
The fact is Riley is better game coach than PC and staff.
Rey is overrated. Makes highlights like Buckeyes but Cushing made the tackles. Was not a factor much of first 3 games. And Mays--the All American--does not compare to Ellison. Griffen has not developed to supestar. Ellison, Cushing and Mathews only 3 to play on 2004 defense. Take away Mathews and his D would be hurting.
On offense Sanchez is still real deal. But he was rushed and his Wr's were blanketed.
But the Pac 10 knows the schemes.
I don't expect to see another NC game in this era.
USC needed to do it this year, silence the critics, establish team of decade and rise back on top of recruiting. Instead the slide continues.
If you can't teach a D-lineman not to swing after play over what are you going to do. Shades of Darnell Bing in RB.
Like the 72 Miami Dolphins who's record remains still on top, the Trojans of the same year are not in fear.
