The USC Trojans endured another tough loss in week eight, falling to the Maryland Terrapins 29-28. Here’s what Maryland coach Michael Locksley said about the Trojans after the game.
The unranked USC Trojans are now at a 3-4 record after this disappointing loss to the Maryland Terrapins, who improved to 4-3. The Trojans were in control but lost the game late in the fourth quarter.
After the matchup, Locksley addressed the media, expressing his happiness for the team and their confidence in securing the win.
“We came in saying that we were going to be aggressive. We came in saying that we were pushing all of our chips to the middle of the table,” Locksley stated regarding Maryland’s victory. “Wins like this have become our expectation.”
The Trojans were the favorites heading into the game, leading at halftime 21-7, creating strong vibes for USC. However, scoring only seven points in the second half while allowing 22 led to their loss. This marks the second consecutive week that USC has blown a halftime lead.
Locksley discussed how the Maryland defense held USC to just one touchdown in the second half, emphasizing how crucial that was for the Terrapins.
“I thought near the end, when I talk about growing right before your eyes you think about that last fourth down stop. Similar play to where we weren’t in the picture where they caught one to kick the field goal right before the half, to score before the half. Well, this time we were in position to close and disrupt the ball out of there,” Locksley said. “Our defense really gave us the opportunity because they held them to the field goal, got the block, and got us the ball.”
USC’s blocked field goal attempt in the game’s final two minutes was another major momentum shift for the Terrapins. It kept the score within reach, leading to Maryland being able to drive down the field for a touchdown.
The Terrapins chose to go for two after scoring a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 28-22, with USC still in the lead. It was a gamble, but it paid off for Maryland, as the two-point conversion was successful.
“We’re playing to win the game against a really good team,” Locksley said. “I told my team that we were pushing the chips in the middle of the table and that we weren’t going to earn it, we were going to go take it. And so, the analytics tell you to go for two, um, but you also have to look at where you are. You look at the momentum of it. We had a good play called. It’s a play that we thought had an opportunity. And we knew that if we got that play, we could win the game in regulation, which is what the plan was and it executed itself out.”
The matchup against USC was one of the most pass-heavy games for the Maryland offense. Locksley explained his logic for passing the ball more against the USC defense.
“They play man coverage 90% of the game. Man coverage adds a guy to the box,” Locksley said. “We have talented running backs. This O-line is starting to come together. But the RPO game and the tags or add-ons allow us to prevent teams from loading up in the box, avoiding situations where we’re getting tackled because they have more defenders. Then you’re saying, ‘Oh, we punted all nine times.’ Well, that’s the beauty of our system. We have answers if they’re going to play man, then we have to throw the ball.”
With the win over USC, the Maryland Terrapins now hold a 4-3 record. The USC Trojans have suffered their third consecutive loss and stand at 3-4, with a 1-4 record in Big Ten conference play. The Trojans’ next game will be on Oct. 25 against the 4-3 Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
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