USC Football: Former National Champion Makes Game-Losing Error in Trojans' Loss

Your Trojans' heartbreaking 34-32 loss to the Utah Utes this past Saturday has (essentially) eliminated them from College Football Playoff contention.

In terms of what went wrong, it was a relatively similar story to what occurred in USC's last two losses against Utah.

The Trojans' poor defense, along with Utah's physicality, great run game, and timely playmaking, found USC on the receiving end of yet another gut-wrenching loss.

One specific play that comes to mind when it comes to what truly cost USC the game, however, came from former National Champion and Georgia transfer defensive lineman Bear Alexander.

On a 3rd & 9 from their own 26 yard line, Utes QB Bryson Barnes completed a pass to Mikey Matthews for 8 yards, which was short of a first down.

Alexander, however, was called for roughing the passer, which is a 15 yard penalty and an automatic first down.

After further review, it was determined that Alexander committed a targeting penalty amidst his late hit, resulting in him being ejected.

Bear Alexander is emotional after being called for targeting pic.twitter.com/erv9b0rWCk
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 22, 2023

#USC HC Lincoln Riley said Bear Alexander was really broken up about the targeting penalty.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) October 22, 2023

Alexander was clearly devastated by the call, as he played a great game and has been an anchor of a USC defense that has direly needed his help.

The unit essentially completely fell apart after his ejection, giving up a 26-yard run to Barnes that set the Utes up for a game-winning field goal, crushing USC's CFP hopes.

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