3 reasons why USC Trojans lost crucial game against Maryland Terrapins in Week 8

The USC Trojans suffered their fourth loss of the 2024 college football season - and their fourth in their first season of Big Ten play - in Week 8 as they fell 29-28 to the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday. The Trojans are now 3-4, while the Terrapins improved to 4-3.

USC led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter before blowing a seemingly insurmountable lead. It marked their third consecutive conference loss as they fell to 1-4 in Big Ten play - leading to questions about whether moving to the conference was a mistake and Lincoln Riley's job is secure.

Take a look at three reasons why yhr Trojans were unable to emerge victorious against their conference opponent below.

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Three reasons why USC Trojans lost crucial game against Maryland Terrapins in Week 8

#1 Poor late game execution

The USC Trojans have struggled to execute late in games this season. That came back to haunt them once again in Week 8. After scoring a touchdown with 13:31 left in the fourth quarter to take a 28-14 lead, they had three offensive drives.

They ran just 5:16 off the clock, with their drives ending in a punt, blocked field goal and turnover on downs. The blocked field goal was particularly bad, as the drive began at the Maryland Terrapins 33-yard line and moved just nine yards forward. Eventually, the lack of execution prevented them from putting the game away.

#2 They couldn't stop the pass

The Maryland Terrapins moved the ball through the air at ease. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. completed 78.0% of his pass attempts for 373 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

He added a game-winning rushing touchdown with 0:53 left in the game. The USC Trojans had allowed just 198.0 passing yards per game entering the game but allowed nearly twice that number in Week 8.

#3 Another late game missed field goal

The USC Trojans suffered a 33-30 overtime loss to the then-No. 4-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in Week 7 as kicker Michael Lantz missed a 45-yard field goal in overtime.

He had a 41-yard field goal blocked in Week 8 that would have given the Trojans a 31-22 lead with 2:00 remaining in the game. The kick would have given them a two score lead and essentially put the game out of reach.