Whicker: A fragrant start turns into false hope in USC’s season finale

LOS ANGELES >> As the tailgating wagons circled the Coliseum on Saturday, one cardinal-clad fellow proclaimed, “Upset! I smell an upset today.”
His friend pointed out that maybe the bloody marys were talking.
Notre Dame came strutting into the Coliseum, smelling no danger on anyone’s breath. The Irish were undefeated and seemingly comfortable on the Rushmore of the College Football Playoff.
USC was bleeding. It needed to beat Notre Dame to become eligible for a bowl and m