It’s said so many times that people take the statement for granted. But in USC’s 13-9 loss to UCLA, it should be said again, and again, and again. Anything can happen in a rivalry game. You have to throw out the records, the setting and all the other hoopla except for the actual game.
It should have been easy for the Trojans. Beat the previously 6-5 Bruins and you’re guaranteed to play Ohio State for a national championship. But then Eric McNeal intercepts John David Booty with just over a minute to play in the game and all of USC’s title hopes are wiped out. Give UCLA massive credit for doing something Notre Dame couldn’t do just one week ago: hold the Trojans’ prolific wide receiver duo of Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith in check. After torching the Irish for seven catches for 134 yards and three touchdowns, Jarrett was held to just four receptions for 68 yards and no scores.
USC fell asleep twice this year and it cost the Trojans everything. When your only loses are to unranked opponents on the road, that comes down to concentration. For as great of a job as Pete Carroll has done in Southern Cal over the years, he has to be befuddled with how his team floundered away such a great opportunity.
