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Led by dominating line play on both sides of the ball, the USC Trojans powered their way past Boston College, 35-7.
It was a loss that really put the season into perspective. Two wins over lowly programs does not a 9-3 season make. Boston College was largely outclasses by the talent of USC and struggled to advance the football or stop the Trojan advance.
The Eagle defense started out strong with a 3 and out against USC, and the offense was able to advance past midfield, but the drive stalled and BC was forced to punt. A methodical, 14 play, 86 yard drive by USC put the Trojans on top at the end of the first quarter.
Poor defense handed USC an 80 yard touchdown on the first play of a drive in the second quarter, where one missed tackle and no safety help handed Marqise Lee a back-breaking touchdown catch and run.
The score was 14-0 at the half, but with the stifling USC defense, it felt a lot worse.
The Eagles opened the half with a 3 and out and the Trojans went right back to work. A 30 yard touchdown run by Tre Madden and a 17 yarder by Justin Davis put the game out of reach at 28-0.
Boston College would make it onto the scoreboard, though, with a 29 yard rush on a really nice misdirection play by Tyler Rouse, to make it 28-7. USC backup quarterback Max Wittek ran in a late touchdown for the Trojans to make the final 35-7.
It was a humbling game for BC, who suddenly had hopes of bigger things after two solid wins to open the season. But this game reminded everyone just how shallow the roster is and just what happens when you face a team with the kind of talent on both sides of the ball -- particularly in the trenches.
Fortunately, we were playing with house money on this one. We had hopes for the upset but just got humbled by a better team. No need to hit the panic button, and there won't be if we get rolled by Florida State either. Remember that we're still right where we hoped we'd be before the season started to have a shot at making a bowl.
Leave your thoughts on the game below. Full recap tomorrow. Time to regroup and try to pull off an upset against the Criminoles.