Trojans Begin Search for Answers

USC’s second-half collapse against Notre Dame was complete--and maybe worse, it seemed inevitable.

The search for answers is on: The Trojans have been outscored, 71-41, in the fourth quarter and overtime this season, blowing leads in all three of their losses to lose by a total of 11 points.

“Whether it’s fatigue or lack of concentration or whether it’s just exceptional opponents . . . I think it’s probably a combination of all that,” said Coach Paul Hackett, who closed practice Sunday as the Trojans tried to right themselves to face Stanford, the Pacific 10 Conference’s first-place team.

Not being able to control the ball is one clear issue.

USC’s running game stalled in the second half against Notre Dame--the Trojans rushed for only 21 yards after halftime--and the defense was strained by overwork: USC held the ball only 3:15 in the fourth quarter.

Oddly, since USC has been among the national leaders in turnover margin, fumbles also seem to be emerging as an issue.

“I’d say turnovers are the No. 1 common thread--and not being able to finish the game as strong as we start it,” Hackett said.

“Against Oregon, we certainly had numerous opportunities to win, particularly in the kicking game. Against Arizona, we certainly had opportunities in the second half, and had a critical fumble.

“And of course against Notre Dame, we had some costly fumbles, and an opportunity to recover a fumble. Imagine losing a game when somebody recovers a fumble in the end zone.”

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A clearly devastating loss had at least one positive side: USC knows it’s capable of playing well for 30 minutes, anyway.

Hackett called the first half USC’s best of the season.

Receiver R. Jay Soward went further.

“The first half, we played the best football I’ve seen us play in my four years here,” Soward said.

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The 100-yard receiving performances of Soward and Windrell Hayes marked the first time in USC history the Trojans have had two 100-yard receivers in consecutive games. Hayes and freshman Kareem Kelly had 100-yard games last week against Arizona.