Frustrated USC running back Travis Dye says the Trojans are 'not playing to our full potential,' and he's pushing for the team to improve quickly.
A strong performance by Caleb Williams helps No. 9 USC overcome another lackluster defensive effort in a 41-35 victory over California.What looked like a mismatch on paper turned into a one-possession game when USC’s offense sputtered and its defense turned in yet another uneven performance. The team that started the year looking poised for a record-breaking turnaround under first-year coach Lincoln Riley is now slogging through mid-season muck.
Linebacker Shane Lee lamented allowing easy third-and-short situations, but it was Cal that had a longer third-down distance to go than USC. Even with an average of 8.6 yards to gain on third down compared with USC’s 6.8, the Bears converted on three of six tries with nine or more yards while USC moved the chains on just one of four third-and-long situations. Cal quarterback Jack Plummer completed 12 of 13 passes on third down and finished with 406 yards and three touchdowns on 35 of 49 passing.
But small mistakes — a blown coverage, a missed tackle, a penalty in the end zone that negated a third-down stop and led to a touchdown on the next play — piled up, allowing Cal to pull within one touchdown twice. But that moment to exhale wouldn’t have been necessary if the Trojans hadn’t already botched an onside kick attempt that allowed Cal to steal momentum and inch within one possession. Riley said it looked as if the Trojans were in position on the play, but just didn’t recover the ball, allowing the Bears, who had just completed a 92-yard touchdown drive, to stay on the field.
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