No. 10 USC Football Falls At No. 21 Notre Dame, 48-20

No. 10 USC football suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday, falling to No. 21 Notre Dame, 48-20. 

The Trojans were unable to overcome three first-half interceptions from quarterback Caleb Williams, and the Fighting Irish defense sacked Williams six times. Notre Dame jumped out to a 24-6 halftime lead and never looked back. The Fighting Irish scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the game, and their defense forced five turnovers total. 

 

Williams finished the game with 264 passing yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. USC running back MarShawn Lloyd rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown, but the Trojans' offense was unable to generate any consistent momentum. The loss drops USC to 6-1 on the season, and it will make it more difficult for the Trojans to reach the College Football Playoff. USC will need to win out and hope for some help from other teams in order to make the playoff. 

 Analysis USC's loss to Notre Dame was a disappointing one, but it is important to remember that the Trojans are still a good football team. Williams is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and the Trojans have a talented roster. However, USC's offense needs to be more consistent. The Trojans have struggled to run the ball all season, and they have been too reliant on Williams to make plays. If USC wants to make a deep run in the playoffs, they need to find a way to get their running game going. USC's defense also needs to improve. The Trojans have given up a lot of points this season, and they have been particularly vulnerable to the pass.

 USC will need to find a way to tighten up their defense if they want to beat the top teams in the country. Looking Ahead USC's next game is against Arizona State on Saturday, October 22. The Trojans will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Notre Dame and get back on track in the Pac-12 Conference. USC will need to win out in order to have a chance to make the College Football Playoff. The Trojans will also need some help from other teams, such as Alabama and Clemson losing. Despite their loss to Notre Dame, USC is still a good football team. The Trojans have the talent to make a deep run in the playoffs, but they will need to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.