Overview
- Ohio State lost 30-18 to USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in a game played Saturday that ended with the Buckeyes failing to convert late drives and surrendering big plays to the Trojans.
- The Buckeyes outgained USC 464-338 and had 25 first downs but scored touchdowns on only one of four red-zone trips while committing 11 penalties and suffering a disastrous first punt that netted −27 yards.
- Starter Julian Sayin was unavailable after a mid-October throwing-arm injury, and true freshman Luke Fahey made his first start, completing 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown amid obvious in-game learning moments.
- Analysts and former coaches sharply criticized execution: Fox’s Joel Klatt called pass protection “really poor” and cited a 49% pressure rate on drop-backs, and Urban Meyer faulted penalties and effort as problems beyond the quarterback change.
- The loss dropped Ohio State in the polls and tightened its postseason margin for error, with the team needing to win its remaining four regular-season games beginning with Oregon to secure a Big Ten title game berth and preserve College Football Playoff hopes.