On the field, USC was getting embarrassed by Notre Dame, eventually losing 49-14. On the internet, former player Su’a Cravens was not holding back in criticism of the program. Cravens made sure to clear head coach Clay Helton of the blame, but did not have the same manners for the current players.
Coach Helton & staff are doing a hell of a job. This is simply a matter of pride. It’s not the fact that we lost, it’s the way we lost.
— Suzy (@Sua_Cravens) October 22, 2017
Cravens knows a thing or two about heart. In his three years with the Trojans, Cravens totaled 207 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 34.5 TFL and 9 interceptions. Cravens put up these numbers while playing both safety and linebacker, a difficult task for some. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and chose USC over more than 20 other schools according to 247sports. Those recruiting tactics that lured Cravens to Los Angeles also came under fire last night.
Man recruit some top juco players that’ll die to be at USC instead of kissing 5 star recruits ass that could care less bout being a Trojan!
— Suzy (@Sua_Cravens) October 22, 2017
Or let’s drop some bread on these recruits like every team in the SEC… oh yea, we only get punished for shit like that ??♂️
— Suzy (@Sua_Cravens) October 22, 2017
The second tweet refers to the Reggie Bush scandal, when Lloyd Lake, a sports agent, sued Bush and his family because Bush had not paid back almost $300,000 in gifts. Amongst the numerous gifts was a limousine ride to the 2005 Heisman presentation, and Bush eventually forfeited his Heisman Trophy from 2005.
As for the game on the field, USC was out-manned from the beginning. The Trojans did not score a point in the first half, and all of their 14 points came in the third quarter. Notre Dame managed an insane 377 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns as a team. This is the first time that a ranked USC team has lost to rival Notre Dame since 1995. Once again, Sam Darnold struggled, losing a fumble and throwing an interception, while throwing for just 229 yards. In the previous two games following a loss to Washington State, Darnold seemed to have improved, before regressing against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush called the team “scary” when they play as a unit. If the way they played Saturday night is any indication, Notre Dame will be a scary team come bowl season.
Clay Helton and the Trojans have some reflecting to do. While the season is not a total wash, any playoff hopes seem to be dashed with two losses. The coaching staff may pay no attention to Cravens’s comments, but they should be kept in mind.
