It’s Homecoming, Trojans!
The annual weekend is filled with events, celebrations and Trojan pride. From Friday’s spirit rally to Saturday’s alumni tailgates, the festivities will culminate in a Big Ten matchup between No. 18 USC and the Washington Huskies.
But after USC’s 41-27 loss against No. 15 Oregon Ducks last week, will disappointed fans still feel like celebrating?
Sophomore business admin student Ruby Samson said that the loss may cause some students and USC fans to lose hope in the Trojans’ season overall.
“I think that losing another big game with such high-caliber stakes is a deterrent because of the patterns that this has been following in the past,” Samson said.
During head coach Lincoln Riley’s five-year tenure at the university, USC has won just five of 20 games against the AP Top 25 opponents. According to CBS Sports writer Austin Nivison, “USC had the chance to prove that this year was going to be different,” but instead “dropped another big-time game to one of the Big Ten’s marquee teams.”
Junior public relations and advertising student Darrian Merritt expressed frustration with the team’s defensive performance.
“You get tired of watching a team give up multiple third-down conversions in a row over the middle with safeties who just can’t be in position,” Merritt said.
But, Merritt said, supporting a team means sticking with them through difficult stretches.
“I feel like if you’re a fan, you have to support your team through thick and thin.”
For other students, the game’s result is secondary to the social experience surrounding Homecoming.
Sophomore dance major Nyllah Allen said she does not believe the loss will significantly affect student attendance.
“I think a lot of people just go to the games to party and have fun, especially when it comes to tailgating and stuff,” Allen said.
Simone Peterson, a sophomore dance major, echoed that sentiment. Although she does not regularly attend football games, she said she plans to participate in Homecoming tailgates.
“I feel like the tailgates are probably going to be crazier, resulting in the football game having a better turnout,” said Peterson.
For some Trojans, Homecoming remains bigger than the scoreboard. Whether students arrive for the football game, tailgate, alumni events or simply the tradition, a disappointing loss will not be enough to silence USC’s school spirit.
For more Homecoming events, check https://alumni.usc.edu/homecoming/.
Edited by Lindsay Augustine and Andriana Yatsyshyn.