People who love football in the great state of Illinois had a great weekend. People who love USC football had a horrible weekend. What’s worse for the USC fans in this story is that both losses to Illinois-based teams came on a last-play field goal, with one being made and one being blocked. Illinois scored its field goal to beat USC. One day later, the Chicago Bears blocked a Raiders field goal to beat Pete Carroll. Raiders Wire has more:
“The fourth turnover of the day for the Raiders finally lost them the lead. Geno Smith threw a pick on the first play of the third quarter and the Bears would capitalize with a touchdown drive. From there, the Raiders were always in the position of having to have an answer for the Bears’ scores. They were able to do it right up until the end when the game-winning field goal attempt was blocked. A supremely frustrating end to what was a herculean effort by Maxx Crosby to weather three first half turnovers to retain the lead.”
Maxx Crosby had an interception, three pass breakups, and three tackles for loss in the first half of this game. Ashton Jeanty rumbled for a 64-yard touchdown. Yet, Geno Smith’s horrendous game — with multiple interceptions — undid the good work the Raiders did in other areas. Then, of course, the blocked field goal on the final play denied the Raiders a win they desperately needed. They are 1-3 and in huge trouble. Chicago has its season back on track at 2-2, with a lot of optimism for the road ahead under first-year coach Ben Johnson.
USC’s season is on the ropes after its own last-play field goal loss to Illinois. It was a remarkable weekend for all the wrong reasons — unless you love Illinois and the Bears.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Pete Carroll, USC both lose to Illinois-based teams on final play of the game this weekend
Reporting by Matt Zemek / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
