MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles, CA – USC started the game fast and aggressive against No. 5 Nevada, shooting 50 percent from the field in the first half and leading by as many as seven points.
The second half was a different story as the Wolfpack took the lead and never looked back en route to a 73-61 win over USC Saturday at the Galen Center.
“It was a tough game in the second half.,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “Nevada played exceptional basketball in that opening stretch. We played hard, but went through a dry spell and they put the game away.
MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Enfield said the defense played well enough to win but even at the end, they missed shots. That’s the way the second half went.
USC led by six points with a minute left in the first half but Tre’Shawn Thurman hit a three-pointer and a jumper to cut the lead heading into halftime, 35-34.
Nevada began the second half on a 9-0 run to open a 43-35 lead at 17:22. USC shot 35.7 percent in the second half while Nevada made 48.1 percent of its shots.
MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“When they go on a run, you have to go with them, and we didn’t do that. “We took a lot of tough shots. We took some good ones and missed, and we too some contested shots.”
USC junior forward Nick Rakocevic scored a season-high 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season and 10th of his career.
MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“The first half is a good sign we can be a top team,” Rakocevic said. “We have to come out better in the second half. When the shots aren’t falling, you have to stay composed and do it on the defensive end.”
USC’s next game will be against TCU in the Hall of Fame Classic at the Staples Center on Friday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.
MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Stanford head coach David Shaw reviewing his play sheet on the sideline. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Stanford wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (19) catches a deep pass near the sideline. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Berkeley, CA – The Stanford Cardinal (8-4,6-3) took down the Cal Golden Bears (7-5,5-4) in California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, pulling out the win in the 121st Big Game rivalry match-up between the two Bay Area schools.
Cal entered the game coming off two consecutive victories over USC and Colorado in which they relied heavily on their defense to make-up for sputtering offensive play.
The Bears’ offensive struggles showed themselves again early in this one, allowing the Cardinal to jump out to a 10-0 lead in the opening quarter following the first of three made field goals from kicker Jet Toner (26), and a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback K.J. Costello (3) to running back Cameron Scarlett (22).
Cal fullback Malik McMorris (99) fights for extra yards after catching a pass out of the backfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
In all, the Bears failed to eclipse 50 yards from scrimmage in the first, to Stanford’s 164 yards in the quarter.
The Cal defense found their footing in the second, forcing three Stanford punts in the quarter and holding the Cardinal out of the end zone. The defense’s stout play allowed the Bears offense opportunities to get in more of a rhythm, leading to two made field goals from kicker Greg Thomas (39) to bring the score to 13-6 for Stanford heading into the half.
Though both offenses moved the ball more efficiently in the third quarter, neither could capitalize for points.
Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello (3) throws downfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Fourth-quarter mistakes would prove to be the difference in this one, with Stanford capitalizing on the momentum generated by a costly roughing the passer penalty, extending the Cardinal’s penultimate drive, as well as two interceptions, the latter of which was returned 30 yards by corner Paulson Adebo (11) to give Stanford the ball inside the Cal five-yard line.
On the next play, Scarlett would provide the dagger for Stanford with his second score on the day, this one a three-yard rush that put the Cardinal up ten points with less than four minutes remaining.
Costello and the Stanford passing game were highly efficient, tallying nearly 240 yards and a score on 18-of-29 attempts. Wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (19) lead both teams in receiving with 109 yards on five catches.
Cal quarterback Chase Garbers (7) takes off upfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
For Cal, quarterback Chase Garbers finished with 197 yards through the air on 22-of-39 tries with two interceptions and one touchdown, along with 44 net rushing yards on 12 carries.
The Bears’ senior running back Patrick Laird (28) lead the way rushing the ball with 116 yards on 19 carries, while Stanford’s standout back Bryce Love (20) lead the Cardinal with 77 yards rushing on 22 carries before being forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a lower-body injury.
Stanford pushes their Big Game win-streak to nine straight with the victory, dating back to Cal’s last victory over the Cardinal in 2009.
Stanford Cardinal running back Cameron Scarlett (22) cuts upfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Both teams will await tomorrow’s Bowl Schedule release, before beginning preparation for their respective postseason match-ups.
Cal head coach Justin Wilcox alluded to the fact that his team might need some time to get their heads straight after the loss but said they looked forward to the next opportunity to play and improve.
“It hurts really bad, and it hurts because we had chances. They know we had opportunities and that stings,” he said after the game. “But not all is lost. We get to play again.”
Stanford Cardinal cornerback Paulson Adebo (11) intercepts a tipped pass. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin #9 being slowed down during the Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey #18 being taken down during Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
SANTA CLARA, CA – Washington Huskies win the Pac-12 Football Championship behind a strong defensive performance at Levi’s Stadium.
Washington won a Rose Bowl berth with tonight’s 10-3 victory over the Utah Utes.
After a season-opening loss to Auburn, the Huskies quietly rebounded during the country’s fascination with Gardner Minshew and the rival Washington State Cougars. Today, however, the Huskies reclaimed the spotlight with an impressive defensive performance. CB Byron Murphy was named the game’s MVP after recording two interceptions, the first of which he returned 66 yards for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.
Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne #6 rushing during Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Despite the league’s penchant for showcasing offensive powerhouses, the Pac-12 Championship featured defense. The game began with a scoreless first quarter and ended with no offensive touchdowns.
Utah’s defense held Washington’s offensive stars, seniors RB Myles Gaskin and QB Jake Browning, largely in check. The Utes also secured the game’s first turnover when DB Javelin Guidry intercepted a Browning pass.
After the game, Washington head coach Chris Petersen said, “those guys were good the first time we played them, and they were better the second time.”
Battle in the trenches during Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Not to be outdone, Washington’s defense held Utah to no points in the first half, making the 3-0 halftime score the lowest scoring half in Pac-12 Football Championship Game history. Washington’s defense would go on to force three second half turnovers – enroute to holding Utah to only 188 yards of total offense. It was ultimately Washington’s defense that scored the game’s only touchdown and broke up a 4th down pass to crush any hopes of a Utah comeback.
Despite the defenses taking center stage, Washington’s offense managed to rack up 308 yards. Gaskin rushed for 71 yards on 23 carries and Browning went 21 of 23 for 187 yards, with 1 interception, to lead a balanced attack. Yet, the Huskies’ offense only managed to get 3 points behind a PK Payton Henryfield goal just before halftime.
Utah finally scored in the third quarter with a Matt Gay 53-yard field goal, but that was it. Head Coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged that his team had to “handle adversity and just keep fighting,” despite entering the game without their starting quarterback and running back.
Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin #9 finds a crease during the Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Behind backup quarterback Jason Shelly, the Utes did not have any sustained success moving the ball. After Murphy first career pick-6, Utah’s most promising drive ended with another Shelly interception at the Washington 6-yard line.
In the end, turnovers ended the Ute’s first appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Utah, however, can take solace that it hung tough with Washington, and can hopefully use that momentum for its upcoming bowl game. Meanwhile, Washington will wait for the results of Saturday’s other league championship games to learn who it will likely face in the Rose Bowl.
Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen after the win with confetti in the background after the Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Brian Agler Resigns as Head Coach of Los Angeles Sparks
WNBA 2017: Los Angeles Sparks Media Day for WNBA Champions coach Brian Agler general manager Penny Toler at Los Angeles Athletic Club in Los Angeles, Ca on May 16, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA (Nov. 30, 2018) –The Los Angeles Sparks announced today that Brian Agler has resigned as head coach of the team.
“We’d like to thank Brian for his contributions to the Sparks organization over the last four seasons, including helping the team win the 2016 title,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler said. “We wish Brian nothing but the best moving forward.”
A comprehensive search to identify the next Sparks head coach will start immediately.
Nenka Ogwumike, Brian Agler and Jantel Lavender before the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game after being awarded their trophies on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks play in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Los Angeles Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), and remain the only active team in the league to have won back-to-back titles and have qualified for the playoffs in 18 of their 22 seasons. Led by an ownership group led by five-time NBA Champion Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Mark Walter, the Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Staples Center has a championship level entertainment experience, while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. The team plays their regular season annually from May through September. To purchase tickets, visit http://sparks.wnba.com/tickets/.
NCAA Basketball Long Beach State vs USC at Galen Center on November 28, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
NCAA Basketball Long Beach State vs USC at Galen Center on November 28, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – USC junior center Nick Rakocevic recorded his fourth double-double of the season to lead the Trojans to a 75-65 win over Long Beach State Wednesday night at the Galen Center.
“That was a tough game,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “Long Beach played very hard. We played well enough to win. We struggled at times offensively, missed shots and didn’t pass well.”
Rakocevic finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and has averaged 11.7 rebounds per game this season, sixth nationally and tops in the Pac-12.
NCAA Basketball Long Beach State vs USC at Galen Center on November 28, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
“My teammates were making all the right plays,” Rakocevic said. “I was just cutting. I missed some easy ones I usually don’t miss. Overall, we got the win and that’s what counts.”
The Trojans took a 47-33 lead early in the second half but the 49ers went on a 10-0 run to keep the game close.
USC missed a lot of wide open shots from close range and from beyond the arc. The Trojans were held to 40 percent shooting from the floor.
NCAA Basketball Long Beach State vs USC at Galen Center on November 28, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
“Our defense was okay,” Enfield said. “Long Beach came with a lot of intensity. But give our players credit for figuring out how to win.”
Derryck Thornton hit a 3-pointer to give USC a five-point lead with 1:48 left in the first half. Ron Freeman responded with a three of his own.
Jonah Matthews and Shaquan Aaron nailed back-to-back 3-pointers with a minute left to put USC up, 36-28, at halftime.
NCAA Basketball Long Beach State vs USC at Galen Center on November 28, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
USC’s next game will be against No. 5 Nevada on Saturday at the Galen Center at 1:30 p.m. Nevada is 7-0 after defeating Loyola Chicago, 79-65, on Nov. 27.
“Nevada is the oldest team in the country, experience and age-wise,” Enfield said. “They are physical, long and play well together.”
American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 2018
Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell on November 23, 2018 Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell was named as Coach of the Year. Fickell was chosen by his peers as The American’s Coach of the Year after he orchestrated a six-win improvement in his second year on the Cincinnati sideline. After going 4-8 in his first year, Fickell has led the Bearcats to a 10-2 overall record, a 4-0 in mark in non-conference games and a 6-2 conference mark in 2018. The Bearcats returned to the national polls for the first time since 2013, ranking as high as No. 19 in the Nov. 11 Associated Press poll.
UCLA Bruins tight end Caleb Wilson (81) at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 13
Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
OFFENSIVE: Myles Gaskin, Sr., TB, Washington (Lynnwood, Wash.) • Gaskin led the No. 16 Huskies to a 28-15 win over No. 7 Washington State Friday in Pullman, rushing for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries. • Gaskin, who finished his career with four wins and 10 touchdowns in four games vs. WSU, scored on two runs of five yards and another of 80, which proved the turning point of the game. • During Friday’s win, Gaskin also passed 1,000 yards for the season, making him the first Pac-12 player ever to rush for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons. He also moved past the 5,000 career yards milestone (5,131) and into third on the Pac-12’s career TDs list. Lastly, Gaskin also took over the third spot on the Pac-12 career rushing TDs list with 55.
Also nominated: Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State; CJ Verdell, RB, Oregon; JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford; Wilton Speight, QB, UCLA; Jason Shelley, QB, Utah.
Ashtyn Davis #27 scores a touchdown at California Memorial Stadium on Nov 24, 2018(Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
DEFENSIVE: Ashtyn Davis, Jr., S, California (Santa Cruz, Calif) • Davis had two interceptions for the first time in his career including one that he ran back 35 yards for a score on Colorado’s second drive of the game to key a 33-21 Cal victory. Davis returned his second interception in the second quarter 24 yards with the interception ending a Colorado drive at the Cal 21-yard line. • The pick-six was the first of his career and one of two interceptions the Golden Bears returned for touchdowns on each of Colorado’s first two drives to jump out to a 14-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. • Davis added three tackles, one pass break up, and also returned four kickoffs for 82 yards and finished with a game-high 141 all-purpose yards. • Davis now has four interceptions on the season and leads the Pac-12 while ranking tied for 14th nationally with an average of 0.36 interceptions per game.
Also nominated: Aashari Crosswell, DB, Arizona State; Thomas Graham Jr., CB, Oregon; Sean Barton, LB, Stanford; Chase Hansen, LB, Utah
SPECIAL TEAMS: Steven Coutts, Sr., P, California (Brisbane, Australia) • Coutts pinned Colorado inside its own 20-yard line five times without a touchback on eight punts for 371 yards with all the numbers either setting or equaling his career highs at Cal. • Coutts also had two punts of 50-plus yards for the first time in his Cal career and finished with a 46.4 yard average and a net of 47.1. Cal recovered a pair of fumbles on his punts, while Colorado had another fumble for a no gain return and a negative return on another while totaling minus-six yards in punt returns. • Coutts also drew a key roughing the kicker penalty to extend a fourth-quarter drive that helped Cal hold on to its 33-21 lead that became the final score. • On the season, Coutts has pinned his opponents inside the 20-yard line on 30 of his 58 punts.
NCAA Basketball Cal State University Bakersfield vs USC at Galen Center on November 25, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
NCAA Basketball Cal State University Bakersfield vs USC at Galen Center on November 25, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – Jordan Usher scored 22 points and Bennie Boatwright added 19 points to help USC defeat CSU Bakersfield, 90-75, Sunday at the Galen Center.
USC erased a seven-point deficit and went on a 26-5 run in the second half to take control of the game.
NCAA Basketball Cal State University Bakersfield vs USC at Galen Center on November 25, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
“Our players played well enough offensively and we got some key stops in the last eight minutes to really turn the game,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “It was a good overall team win with a short handed roster.”
The Trojans were missing three key rotating players. Freshman Kevin Porter Jr. was out with a thigh injury. Sophomore guard Charles O’Bannon had surgery to repair a broken left pinky finger on Nov. 15. He’s expected to miss a month of action.
NCAA Basketball Cal State University Bakersfield vs USC at Galen Center on November 25, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Freshman Elijah Weaver made his first career start at point guard in place of injured starter Derryck Thornton and finished with seven points and five assists.
USC went on a 9-0 run and hit 6 of their last 7 to take a 22-15 lead over the Roadrunners in the first half. CSU Bakersfield stormed back, shooting over 50 percent from the field to take a 46-44 lead at the half.
The Trojans outscored CSU Bakersfield 32-10 in the last 11:35. Usher scored nine while Boatwright and Nick Rakocevic scored seven during the run.
NCAA Basketball Cal State University Bakersfield vs USC at Galen Center on November 25, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
“I waited my turn and took the advantage of the opportunity,” Usher said. “We have guys that can score up and down the roster. Tonight was just my night.”
USC will host Long Beach State on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
“It was a challenging game for us tonight,” Enfield said. “I give Bakersfield credit. They really came out strong and shot the ball at a terrific rate.”
The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
Berkeley, CA – The Cal Golden Bears (7-4, 4-4) kept their late-season momentum alive on Saturday, taking down the Colorado Buffaloes 33-21 (5-7, 2-7) with another strong defensive outing.
The Golden Bears took full control in the opening minutes with back-to-back pick sixes, taking a 14-0 lead before ever controlling the ball offensively.
First, Elijah Hicks (3) returned an interception 34 yards on the Buffaloes’ opening drive, before Ashtyn Davis (27) created a score of his own on a strikingly similar 35-yard interception return.
The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
“Two huge plays that were the difference in the game,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said after the game. “The takeaways in general, the turnover margin was the difference in the game.”
The Buffaloes lead the game in rushing, passing, and total yards, as well as first downs, third-down efficiency, and penalties-against. But Cal’s five forced turnovers in the opening half would prove too much to overcome, especially with Colorado failing to force one of their own just as they had in their previous two contests.
Quarterbacks Steven Montez (12) of Colorado and Chase Garbers (7) each finished with two touchdowns through the air. Montez tallied 16-of-33 attempts for 170 yards with two interceptions while Garbers would complete 14-of-26 for 116 yards with no turnovers.
The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
“I feel like we kind of turned it around a little bit in the second half, started making better decisions, but it was just too late,” Montez said.
Colorado’s strongest offensive weapons also displayed the kind of consistent play they’ve demonstrated throughout the season.
Buffaloes wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (2) hauled in seven catches for 65 yards to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark on the year, while running back Travon McMillian (34) finished with 58 yards on 21 attempts on the ground, pushing him past the 1,000-yard rushing mark.
The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
Colorado had never had a 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard rusher in the same season previously.
The loss eliminates Colorado from bowl contention this year and pushes their season-ending losing streak to seven games.
Colorado interim coach Kurt Roper, who replaced head coach Mike MacIntyre less than a week ago, praised his team for their sustained effort throughout the game.
“They’re a tough team, they’re a really close team. Putting on the Colorado uniform is important to them and they’re going to fight for 60,” he said.
The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
The Golden Bears will turn their attention to cross-bay rival Stanford for the rescheduled 121st edition of the Big Game on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans on November 24, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA(Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tony Jones Jr. (6) runs for a touchdown during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans on November 24, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA(Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
Los Angeles, CA – Dexter Williams went 52 yards on a go-ahead touchdown run to help No. 3 Notre Dame finish the regular season unbeaten with a 24-17 win over USC Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Notre Dame erased a 10-point deficit and scored 24-unanswered points to put away the Trojans. USC was held scoreless in the second half before Tyler Vaughns’ 20-yard touchdown with 46 seconds left in the game
“You can feel good about moving the ball all day long, but at the end of the day it’s about scoring points and we didn’t do that tonight,” USC coach Clay Helton said. “The best is yet to be.”
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans on November 24, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA(Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
USC closes the season 5-7 and will not make a bowl game for the first time since 2000.
The Trojans got off to hot start, leading 10-7 at halftime but were plagued by turnovers, penalties and poor play in the second half.
“I would blame Jake Olson’s dog before I blame the coach for a loss,” USC quarterback JT Daniels said. “I think we’re 18-23 year-old men. It’s on us if we want to win football games to go out and win football games.”
USC Trojans wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (8) catches the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans on November 24, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA(Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
Daniels passed for 349 yards and Tyler Vaughns caught 12 passes for 120 yards.
“I watched the men that are out there, both old and young, and see guys that are truly talented individuals that will develop into a quality football team that can win championships,” Helton said. “I know that and I believe that in them.”
USC Trojans running back Aca’Cedric Ware (28) runs the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans on November 24, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA(Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
Tony Jones Jr. took a short pass 51 yards for a touchdown with 3:09 remaining to finish off Notre Dame’s first perfect season since 2012.
The Trojans worst season in 18 years is over and Helton might be on his way out.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) passes the ball during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans on November 24, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA(Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
