One-loss Trojans versus BCS

Joe Paterno and Penn State was hysterical after losing to Iowa by a point. Nick Saban and Alabama was relieved after beating Louisiana State, learning they didn’t have to hear the hoopla after the game on Saban’s return to Baton Rouge.

When USC took the field against California late Saturday afternoon, facing huge bowl implications, they knew what was at stake, win big and jump drastically into the top 5 polls.

The Trojans, a one-loss team seeking to reclaim a top 5 spot since their embarrassing loss to Oregon State, but fizzling to win big against the Golden Bears, might have just hurt their chances of retaining a national title.

On Sunday afternoon, the AP poll was reveled and much hasn’t changed in the Trojans perspective, accept the fact they’ve jumped up to No. 6, but they still haven’t reached a top 5 ranking. For weeks, they’ve chased and fought hard, but apparently the BCS felt it wasn’t enough.

Otherwise, the Trojans will have earned a spot back in the top 5 and a greater chance at chasing a national title. They demolished Washington last week, then beat Arizona by a touchdown the week before and pulverized Washington State two weeks ago.

None of those were victories that matter to the computer, but last weeks decisive victory mattered to USC’s coach Pete Carroll, who said last week during a conference that the BCS stunk. Perhaps, there’s a way to get rid of the reeking odor, winning big.

It wasn’t very convincing to see the Trojans win 17-3 against Cal, only winning by a score of two touchdowns, didn’t solve any ramifications after No. 3 Florida’s win against Vanderbilt was more convincing and Alabama managed to escape a dicey scene as well as Coach Nick Saban, who would’ve probably been disparaged by the LSU faithful.

Surely, the Trojans would’ve probably earned a spot within the top 5 rankings if Alabama or Florida would’ve faltered.

Once again, the Trojans counted on their high-profile defense while their offense seemed subpar, failing to pile up the scoreboards. Mark Sanchez threw two touchdown passes to lead the offense, but the defensive unit was tremendous, holding Cal to 27-yards rushing.

For the sixth time this season, they held their opponent to under 10 points, the most games in single-digits in nearly four decades. And though the Trojans offense seemed precarious, they have outscored their opponents 187-13 in their last five games.

With the Trojans having ramifications, it seems to be the right month for them. Under Carroll, they’re 25-0 and in November and have won 27 straight home night games.

Holding Cal’s dynamic running back Jahvid Best 30 yards on 13 carries capped resiliency for the
Trojans, and a couple touchdowns secured their national title hopes.

On the downside, the Trojans were penalized 10 times for 105 yards, which has been an issue during the course of the season. They’ve been penalized 77 times for 178 yards.

The Trojans didn’t make any progress by rising in the polls, but they made progress by pulling away from Cal. And they might have a chance to chase the national title with a huge win sooner than later.

They've to beat the system and they can't let the system beat them. The best way to beat the system is to win and hope for a top 5 school to lose.

It's the Trojans against the PC.