This is the almost USC team

Gets themselves into position Repeatedly. Played 98% toe to toe with good teams.

But at key moments. A false start A missed FG. A missed tackle.

Most ND had given up all year was 24. USC has 28.

So once again we find ourselves saying "man this team doesn't suck but it can't get separation"

That's one reason I am hesitant to advocate tearing the thing down and starting over. You tend to only win half your close games so I am not saying USC should be 10-2. But this is a team that could improve a little and have their record improve a lot