USC vs. Alabama: Crimson Tide thump the Trojans

Closing a summer filled with endless speculation and bold predictions, the game that was nearly forty years in the making concluded with the abject dismantling of the #20 Trojans as they fell 52-6 to the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

With many questions heading into the game for both teams, Alabama vehemently answered their critics as their surplus of talent, particularly of the defense, was the constant all game.

The Trojans were stifled, overmatched and plain out overwhelmed as they only managed 194 total yards on offense as the offensive line was victimized by the all-American defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and Co. All-American Juju Smith-Schuster was nowhere to be found as he racked up nine yards on two receptions.

The Trojans looked ready for the challenge early on, as redshirt junior quarterback Max Browne connected on a 36-yard pass to senior receiver Darreus Rogers to give USC an early 3-0 lead.

The Trojan defensive line showed to be a strength and they created constant pressure on Alabama redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Barnett and frequently stuffed the Crimson Tide rushing attack.

As the game waned on, the Trojans inability to capitalize on excellent field position caught up to them in the second quarter as Alabama freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts entered the game and opened up the playbook with his tremendous playmaking ability.

Score after score, the Trojans gave up 31-answered points and showed clear frustration as redshirt senior defensive end Jabari Ruffin was ejected from the game for standing over a returner following a punt and kicking him in the groin.

Tensions boiled over and the Trojans couldn’t get anything going on offense. Browne finished the game 14/29 with 101 yards and one interception and eventually was benched in favor of freshman Sam Darnold who only amassed 29 yards on 4/9 completions.

USC will have many questions to answer after this embarrassing loss on both sides of the football. The Trojans will look to regroup in their home opener Saturday, Sept. 10 against Utah State.

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