Robinson Admits to Crisis Situation

A day after a 35-7 loss to Arizona State that was USC’s worst against an unranked team in John Robinson’s 12 seasons as coach, Robinson acknowledged the Trojans are in crisis.

“This just cannot go on,” he said, repeating that he and the team are “embarrassed” and “ashamed.”

“We are going to have to set this straight with this team. We’re in a crisis circumstance right now, it seems to me, because of that performance, not so much the win or loss.

“We played like a team afraid to compete. It was just stunning. I think we’re all angry about it. We’re going to rectify it.”

Their first chance to rectify it comes Saturday at Notre Dame. The Irish are 2-4, and it marks the first time since 1985 that both rivals enter the game unranked.

“They are struggling as we have been, so there isn’t any national significance in the game,” Robinson said. “But the struggle between the schools and all that stands for is important.”

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USC’s faltering offense has been shut out in the first quarter in all but one game this season, and has failed to score in the second half in three of five games. . . . Tailback LaVale Woods is off crutches but said his ankle injury is progressing slowly and he won’t play Saturday. . . . Freshman Malaefou MacKenzie, who started in Woods’ place but sprained his shoulder in the first half, is expected to play but probably will practice lightly early in the week.

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NEXT FOR USC

Who: Notre Dame

Where: Notre Dame Stadium

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 4

Radio: KLSX-FM (97.1)