A season-opening loss can often be an aberration, a hiccup that only temporarily keeps a team from its true destiny.
But there is a sense today USC football is questioning everything about itself following its 52-6 loss to Alabama.
Several sources said Trojans coach Clay Helton took over play-calling during the game, perhaps a sign of the stress as USC stunned itself with an inept offensive display. Helton reportedly slept in his office Saturday night after the team flew back from Dallas, a sign of how dire the loss was despite being the first game of the season.