College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Week 9 AP Top 25 Poll
By Zach Bigalke
On the road in South Bend, No. 11 USC fell 49-14 to No. 13 Notre Dame in one of just two games this week featuring two teams ranked in the AP Top 25. The Trojans fell behind 28-0 by halftime to the Fighting Irish and couldn’t muster a comeback. As a result, Clay Helton‘s team fell to 6-2 on the year.
The loss did not impact the Trojans’ chances in the Pac-12. But the blowout defeat is a karmic blow to USC’s confidence. Sam Darnold was benched early after a fumble, an interception, and a couple of sacks. Backup quarterback Matt Fink fared little better against the Irish defense, while USC managed just 76 yards rushing all day.
Now the Trojans will have to dust themselves off and return to winning ways in a hurry. They will fall at least six spots this week after such a comprehensive beatdown, and a College Football Playoff berth is probably out of reach this year. But a Pac-12 title is still possible. USC needs to rebound quickly with a trip to Pac-12 South threat Arizona State next weekend.