The path has not been easy for Ohio State. The Buckeyes lost in Week 2 at Texas and were fortunate to leave Memorial Stadium with a four-point win over Indiana two weeks ago, sandwiching a victory in Iowa.
It wasn’t a good west coast road trip for Scarlet and Grey. On Saturday, Ohio State lost to U.S.C. 30-18, struggling on both sides of the ball.
The Buckeyes struggled early, giving up a 69-yard touchdown run on the second play from scrimmage. The Scarlet and Gray trailed 17-6 early in the second quarter after allowing another score and settling for field goals. Things didn’t get any better to close out the first half, as Ohio State kicked another field goal while the Trojans kicked one of their own late in the second quarter.
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Things didn’t improve in the second half, as the Buckeyes’ struggles continued. USC scored when needed, while the Scarlet and Gray weren’t able to reach the end zone until late in the fourth quarter, when Ohio State scored its first touchdown at the Coliseum since 1949, by which time the game was already out of reach.
On Sunday, the Week 10 rankings were released, starting with the Coaches Poll and following the AP Poll. Unsurprisingly, the Buckeyes fell to No. 10 in the coaches poll and No. 11 in the AP poll after their loss in Los Angeles.
Aside from the decline of Scarlet and Gray, the top five in the coaches poll saw little change. Miami remains #1, followed by Georgia at No. 2, Indiana at No. 3, Utah at No. 4 and UCLA at n°5. The top five in the AP poll includes the Hurricanes at No. 1, the Bulldogs at No. 2, the Utes at No. 3, Notre Dame at No. 4 and the Bruins at No. 5.
In addition to the Hoosiers, Bruins and Buckeyes, the Big Ten has three other teams in this week’s coaches poll. USC is at No. 17, Iowa is number 20 and Northwest fell to 23rd. There are five Big Ten teams in the AP poll. The Hoosiers are No. 6, followed by the Trojans at No. 18 and the Hawkeyes at No. 21.
Making his first career start for Ohio State, freshman quarterback Luc Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown against the Trojans. Running back Bo Jackson rushed for 121 yards and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Payton Pierce led the Buckeyes with six tackles, while defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. forced a fumble and a safety Earl Little Jr. got it back.
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The Scarlet and Gray will look to bounce back next week at home against Oregon. The Ducks visit Ohio Stadium Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
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