USC’s Special Teams Woes Continue to Undercut Strong Start Against UCLA
The USC Trojans couldn’t have scripted a better opening drive against their crosstown rivals. Ten plays, 75 yards, and a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead-all without two of their top wideouts, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. But what started as a statement quickly unraveled into a familiar story: special teams miscues putting the Trojans on the back foot.
Early in the first quarter, USC had a golden opportunity to build on their lead. After stalling deep in UCLA territory, they lined up for a 38-yard field goal attempt.
But Ryon Sayeri’s kick never had a chance-UCLA came crashing through the line and blocked it. That moment flipped the momentum, and the Bruins capitalized, stringing together a long touchdown drive to even the score at 7-7.
USC’s next possession followed a similar script. Another solid drive, another stall near the red zone, and another missed opportunity-this time, Sayeri pushed a field goal wide right. Two trips deep into UCLA territory, zero points to show for it.
And unfortunately for USC, this isn’t an isolated issue. Special teams have been a recurring problem, and the cracks are only getting wider.
Just last week against Oregon, the Trojans’ kicking and coverage units cost them dearly. A punt return touchdown allowed, a short field goal clanking off the upright, and a leaping penalty on a missed Oregon field goal that gifted the Ducks a fresh set of downs-and ultimately, a touchdown.
Add in a kick catch interference on a fair catch, and that’s a full checklist of avoidable errors.
By halftime on Saturday, USC trailed 10-7. Not because they were outclassed offensively or defensively, but because the third phase of the game-often overlooked until it becomes a problem-once again proved costly.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has done his part so far, going 12-of-17 for 149 yards. He’s looked poised and efficient, keeping the offense moving despite the absence of key targets. Running back King Miller has added a steady presence on the ground with nine carries for 40 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been efficient as well, completing 10-of-14 passes for 66 yards and a score. Running back Jalen Berger has chipped in with 28 rushing yards on four carries, and wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer has been a steady target, hauling in four catches for 30 yards and a touchdown.
This was a game USC was expected to control. At 8-3, facing a 3-8 UCLA squad, the Trojans were heavy favorites-and for good reason.
But if they can’t clean up their special teams play, that talent gap won’t matter. These aren’t just minor hiccups; they’re game-altering mistakes.
With a full half still to play, USC has time to flip the script and avoid what would be a brutal loss to end the regular season. But if the special teams breakdowns continue, the Trojans may find themselves on the wrong end of a rivalry game that should’ve been theirs to lose.