3 Takeaways From No. 2 Ohio State's Shocking Upset Loss to Unranked USC
USC takes control early
Ohio State lost 30-18 to USC on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Buckeyes entered the game 6-1, while the Trojans improved to 7-2 with the victory.
Ohio State fell behind early and never completely recovered. The result leaves the Buckeyes with two losses this season, one of them in Big Ten play, and could affect their place in the rankings.
Fahey faces a difficult night
True freshman Luke Fahey made his first start after entering Ohio State’s lineup in the fourth quarter of a win two weeks earlier. Against USC, he completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown, and was sacked twice.
Those numbers came as Ohio State struggled to keep pace. The account attributes part of the setback to Fahey, while noting the defense had to carry much of the burden after the team fell behind.
A costly two-point decision
Ohio State attempted a two-point conversion at a point when a successful kick could have kept the deficit within one touchdown. The account argues that taking three points would have left the Buckeyes more time to score and then try for two.
Instead, Ohio State remained multiple scores behind. The decision became one of the game’s key turning points as the team tried to close the gap.
USC gains momentum
The win gave Lincoln Riley’s Trojans a boost and improved their position in the postseason picture. The account says USC could be a top-15 team and make the College Football Playoff if it wins out.
A rematch with Ohio State is possible, depending on seeding. The account suggests USC may have an edge, while acknowledging that defeating the same opponent twice is difficult.
Key points
- USC beat No. 2 Ohio State 30-18, leaving the Buckeyes 6-2 overall.
- Luke Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown.
- Ohio State’s two-point attempt left it trailing by multiple scores.
- USC’s victory strengthened its outlook if it wins out.