USC shows it still has a way to go in disappointing loss to Oregon

The USC Trojans fell on the road to the Oregon Ducks, 42–27, with special teams miscues proving costly for the 15th-ranked Trojans. Oregon controlled the game from start to finish, capitalizing on USC’s errors to maintain a comfortable advantage throughout the night. The defeat all but ends the Trojans’ playoff hopes, while the Ducks strengthen their position as frontrunners to host a playoff game.

First Half

USC opened the night perfectly, engineering a 75-yard, 11-play touchdown drive capped by a Makai Lemon score. Oregon immediately answered, and after a USC punt, the Ducks struck again to take a 14–7 lead.

The Trojans’ offense kept them within reach, highlighted by a Makai Lemon pass to Tanook Hines that briefly tied the game. But the half unraveled in the final minutes. USC forced a missed Oregon field goal, only for it to be erased by an illegal leaping penalty. The Ducks punched in a touchdown shortly after, extending the lead to 28–14. USC responded with a rapid drive of their own, but Ryon Sayeri missed a short field goal which was just his second miss of the season ultimately sending the Trojans into halftime still trailing 28–14.

Second Half

As has often been the case this season, USC’s defense tightened up in the second half, holding Oregon to just 14 points after the break. But the Trojans could only manage 13 points of their own, with the offense unable to deliver in critical moments. After a Lake McRee touchdown, USC’s attempt at a two-point conversion failed, leaving valuable points on the board.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava was forced into a one-dimensional game plan, as the Trojans struggled to run the ball amid continued offensive line injuries and the absences of Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders. With the Ducks able to sit on the pass, Maiava threw multiple interceptions, mistakes that ultimately sealed USC’s fate.

Key Takeaways

The reality is that many USC fans will leave this game disappointed, knowing they'll have to wait a bit longer for the Trojans to finally get over the hump. Yet USC was firmly in the fight for nearly 57 minutes, right up until a failed 4th-and-10 attempt effectively ended their chances. The defense held up as best it could, but the absences of Bishop Fitzgerald and Kamari Ramsey proved too difficult to overcome.

The Trojans will get one final game with Makai Lemon before he heads to the NFL, but the future of USC’s receiving corps remains in strong hands. Freshman Tanook Hines delivered a breakout performance with six receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, offering a glimpse of what’s to come. Lincoln Riley’s long-term vision for the program continues to take shape, and the foundation being built is undeniably promising. But for fans in the moment, that may offer little comfort, and that’s entirely understandable.