Sat Oct 12 20:00:00 UTC 2024: ## USC’s Playoff Hopes Dwindle as Trojans Struggle Against Big Ten Competition
**LOS ANGELES, CA** – USC’s early season hype has fizzled after two losses in their first three Big Ten matchups, leaving their playoff aspirations in jeopardy. Former Trojan quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst Matt Leinart expressed his concerns about the team’s progress, stating that the Trojans are “stuck in neutral.”
Leinart believes that USC’s success last season against a weaker schedule set unrealistic expectations for the current campaign. Despite a strong start with a win over LSU, the Trojans have struggled to maintain momentum against the more physical Big Ten teams.
The biggest issue plaguing USC has been their inability to stop the run. In their losses to Minnesota and Michigan, the Trojans gave up a combined 483 rushing yards, averaging a staggering 200 yards per game. This weakness has put significant pressure on quarterback Miller Moss, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled under pressure.
Leinart is particularly worried about the offensive line, which has been unable to consistently provide protection for Moss, leading to him being pressured on nearly 20% of his dropbacks. He believes the team needs to improve their offensive line play significantly, both in the short term and through better recruiting in the future.
While Leinart believes the defense has improved from last year’s disastrous showing, he still sees room for improvement. He believes the team is capable of making a turnaround but remains cautious about their playoff prospects, labeling them a “four or five-loss team” at this point.
USC fans will be hoping their team can overcome these challenges and find a way to make a run at the playoff, but the task ahead appears increasingly difficult as the season progresses.
First Piper 