Some argue that we may have been less conservative with our offensive decisions (Brindza's 3 field goals) had U.S.C. been with their starting Q.B. and scoring points instead of stalling out with Wittek. I suppose that's possible.
But I'd argue we played offensively the same way we had most of the year, regardless of the opponent. We weren't good in the red zone, Golson was inconsistent, and we lacked a stud receiver outside of Eifert. That showed itself verbatim in L.A. that night. The difference to me is that I believe U.S.C. would have scored way more points, as Barkley wouldn't have missed those downfield throws to Marqise Lee.