6-Points: Ohio State 24, USC 7
December 29, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
USC finishes the season at 11-3 after a disappointing night in Texas.
Click here for the recap and final stats.
Only One Stat Mattered
The stat sheet flatters the Trojans. USC racked up 136 more yards than Ohio State, possessed the ball for nearly 10 minutes longer and held the Buckeyes to 2/12 on third down. However, in the end, turnovers were the statistical category that determined the game. "Whenever you turn over the ball that much, it's hard to win games," said QB Sam Darnold, who threw an interception and fumbled twice. "I made a bad read on the pick-six." Ohio State turned four USC turnovers into 21 points, all in the first half, and then played bend-but-don't-break defense until the clock expired.
Trojan Pride
The Trojans cashed in on a Buckeyes' fumble late in the first half to give themselves some momentum going into the break. From there, the USC defense pitched a shutout, holding Ohio State to 277 yards, 246.6 yards under its per game average this season. "I'm always proud of our defense. I think we prepared really well," said LB Cameron Smith, who made a team-high 10 tackles. "I'm happy for that part of it. But, obviously, the loss is rough." The Trojans allowed only 114 passing yards, their lowest total since the season opener against Western Michigan.
Rough Night
Ohio State's defensive front was as advertised. The Buckeyes pummeled Darnold to the tune of 8 sacks. "They're, obviously, a really good defensive line," said Darnold, who was praised by his head coach for his toughness. "They're probably the best I've played." The Buckeyes were stout in the run game as well, totaling 14 tackles for loss. "Their defensive front is so talented," said head coach Clay Helton. "And you watch them -- you see their stats on paper, you watch it on film, but until you see it in person -- blown away by not only their talent but how well coached they are."
Well Received
Offensively, the wide receivers carried the night. Junior Deontay Burnett rebounded from an early fumble to make 12 catches for 139 yards. RS freshman Tyler Vaughns made a series of outstanding grabs en route to a 119-yard night. Sophomore Michael Pittman Jr. made the catch of the game, a diving one-hander over his shoulder, and he gutted out a hand injury to contribute in the second half. The passing game put USC in position to score, including four trips into the red zone, but the Trojans only came away with points one time.
Thank You, Seniors
While it's hard to find perspective after a tough loss, Helton's post-game message centered around his senior class. The small but mighty group stayed the course after some tough seasons to win 21 games over the last two years, including a Rose Bowl and a conference crown. "Like I told our seniors in the locker room, they've laid the foundation for us to move forward," Helton said. "They moved us forward by winning a Pac-12 championship, by having 11 wins." In his final game as a Trojan, OLB Uchenna Nwosu was outstanding, picking up two more sacks to put an exclamation point on his All-American season.
Bigger Goals Ahead
As for the rest of the team, the Trojans will go back to work this spring and summer with an eye on continuing the progress that has been made under Helton. "We've had 11 wins. We've won a Pac-12 championship. We're proud of those accomplishments. But are we satisfied? No, we're not," the head coach said. "We won't be satisfied until we win a national championship, and that will be our goal." The 2018 season opener is only 245 days away...
Click here for the recap and final stats.
Only One Stat MatteredThe stat sheet flatters the Trojans. USC racked up 136 more yards than Ohio State, possessed the ball for nearly 10 minutes longer and held the Buckeyes to 2/12 on third down. However, in the end, turnovers were the statistical category that determined the game. "Whenever you turn over the ball that much, it's hard to win games," said QB Sam Darnold, who threw an interception and fumbled twice. "I made a bad read on the pick-six." Ohio State turned four USC turnovers into 21 points, all in the first half, and then played bend-but-don't-break defense until the clock expired.
Trojan Pride
The Trojans cashed in on a Buckeyes' fumble late in the first half to give themselves some momentum going into the break. From there, the USC defense pitched a shutout, holding Ohio State to 277 yards, 246.6 yards under its per game average this season. "I'm always proud of our defense. I think we prepared really well," said LB Cameron Smith, who made a team-high 10 tackles. "I'm happy for that part of it. But, obviously, the loss is rough." The Trojans allowed only 114 passing yards, their lowest total since the season opener against Western Michigan.
Rough Night
Ohio State's defensive front was as advertised. The Buckeyes pummeled Darnold to the tune of 8 sacks. "They're, obviously, a really good defensive line," said Darnold, who was praised by his head coach for his toughness. "They're probably the best I've played." The Buckeyes were stout in the run game as well, totaling 14 tackles for loss. "Their defensive front is so talented," said head coach Clay Helton. "And you watch them -- you see their stats on paper, you watch it on film, but until you see it in person -- blown away by not only their talent but how well coached they are."
Well Received
Offensively, the wide receivers carried the night. Junior Deontay Burnett rebounded from an early fumble to make 12 catches for 139 yards. RS freshman Tyler Vaughns made a series of outstanding grabs en route to a 119-yard night. Sophomore Michael Pittman Jr. made the catch of the game, a diving one-hander over his shoulder, and he gutted out a hand injury to contribute in the second half. The passing game put USC in position to score, including four trips into the red zone, but the Trojans only came away with points one time.
Thank You, Seniors
While it's hard to find perspective after a tough loss, Helton's post-game message centered around his senior class. The small but mighty group stayed the course after some tough seasons to win 21 games over the last two years, including a Rose Bowl and a conference crown. "Like I told our seniors in the locker room, they've laid the foundation for us to move forward," Helton said. "They moved us forward by winning a Pac-12 championship, by having 11 wins." In his final game as a Trojan, OLB Uchenna Nwosu was outstanding, picking up two more sacks to put an exclamation point on his All-American season.
Bigger Goals Ahead
As for the rest of the team, the Trojans will go back to work this spring and summer with an eye on continuing the progress that has been made under Helton. "We've had 11 wins. We've won a Pac-12 championship. We're proud of those accomplishments. But are we satisfied? No, we're not," the head coach said. "We won't be satisfied until we win a national championship, and that will be our goal." The 2018 season opener is only 245 days away...
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