What’s Missing Is Some Confidence

Anyone who thinks USC should have defeated No. 7-ranked Oregon on Saturday night is ignoring a string of sub-par seasons, the slumping of the once-proud Trojan football program.

The 24-22 loss-a second consecutive heartbreaker against a nationally ranked opponent-showed the team is making progress in its rebuilding effort. It also revealed a missing ingredient.

Certainly, quarterback Carson Palmer’s three interceptions, one of them returned for a touchdown, contributed to the defeat. Yet Palmer also passed for 411 yards and two touchdowns.

The special teams yielded a stunning 264 yards in kickoff and punt returns. Yet those special teams provided three field goals to give the Trojans a one-point lead in the fourth quarter. They also blocked a late field-goal attempt.

For all the miscues and sloppy play, the Trojans were in position to win but failed to seal the victory. Just look at the final 1:21.

After the blocked kick, USC took possession at its 26-yard line and, because Oregon had three timeouts, needed to make a first down to run out the clock. Tailback Sultan McCullough carried on the first two plays--two cautious calls--gaining four yards.

“They knew we were going to run,” fullback Charlie Landrigan said. “They put guys in the box. We just needed to be more physical up front.”

On third and six, Palmer scrambled left and saw his receiver, Kareem Kelly, covered. At that point, he should have been thinking about staying in bounds to keep the clock moving. But a heavy rush pushed him back six or seven yards and he threw the ball away.

“I didn’t want to take a big loss,” he said. “Looking back, I should have gone down.”

The Ducks could save a timeout for their final drive, which began at their 24-yard line with 56 seconds left. At that point, USC Coach Pete Carroll, who doubles as defensive coordinator, believed he had to pressure Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington with a variety of blitzes.

Time and again, the Ducks picked up the extra rushers and Harrington completed five of six passes, driving his team in range for a game-winning 32-yard field goal. The Ducks won their 23rd consecutive home game with the eighth comeback victory of Harrington’s career.

The difference between the teams could be seen in Harrington’s face afterward. Asked if he doubted the outcome, he smiled.

“You’ve got to be confident,” he said. “You have to know you’re going to score.”

It is a confidence that allows players to stay relaxed and focused, to make key plays. It is a confidence USC does not appear to possess.

“We’re not too far off,” cornerback Kris Richard said.