Analysis: With CFP hopes dashed, USC should look to youth development

LOS ANGELES — As the ashes of once-lofty hopes filtered away, slowly, with the stream of fans from the Coliseum’s walls, Penn State’s Audavion Collins took a moment to add insult to injury.

Gripping a blue “WE ARE” flag and beaming postgame Saturday afternoon, egged on by teammates, Collins attempted to drive the plastic through the turf at midfield — directly into the red-and-gold-painted “SC” logo. It didn’t quite work, really. Head coach James Franklin, like a disapproving father, walked up and snatched the pole away.