Photos: USC's 42-28 loss to Stanford

Luis Sinco

The sun went down, and USC’s worst nightmares came to life.

The defense that looked dominant last week was coming apart at the seams, shredded by a first-time starter at quarterback in Stanford’s Tanner McKee. The problematic penalties returned, the discipline diminished, the force field inside the red zone remained. Even the kicker was kicked out.

In its first taste of #Pac12AfterDark, USC fell asleep at the wheel in a 42-28 thrashing by Stanford on Saturday.

USC head coach Clay Helton watches the Trojans warm up before a game against Stanford
USC head coach Clay Helton watches the Trojans warm up before a game against Stanford at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
USC receiver Drake London can't hold on to the ball as Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly defends in the first quarter
USC receiver Drake London can't hold on to the ball as Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly defends in the first quarter at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
USC receiver Drake London can't hold on to the ball as Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly defends in the second quarter
USC receiver Drake London can't hold on to the ball as Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly defends in the second quarter at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
USC cornerback Chris Steele racts after being flagged for pass interference against Stanford in the third quarter
USC cornerback Chris Steele racts after being flagged for pass interference against Stanford in the third quarter at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis looks to throw downfield against Stanford in the third quarter
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis looks to throw downfield against Stanford in the third quarter at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Stanford running back E.J. Smith makes a catch against USC defensive back Greg Johnson in the third quarter
Stanford running back E.J. Smith makes a catch against USC defensive back Greg Johnson in the third quarter at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Stanford tight end Benjamin Yurosek makes a catch against a trio of USC defenders in the fourth quarter
Stanford tight end Benjamin Yurosek, bottom, makes a catch against a trio of USC defenders in the fourth quarter at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis leaves the field after a 42-28 loss to Stanford.
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis leaves the field after a 42-28 loss to Stanford at the Coliseum on Saturday night, Sep. 11, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.