PASADENA, Calif. — Lincoln Riley and the Southern California Trojans faced adversity head-on in their crosstown clash against UCLA, emerging victorious with a 19-13 win at the Rose Bowl despite trailing entering the fourth quarter.
The Trojans had been significantly impacted by illness, with 27 players and staff members sidelined due to the flu during a challenging week of practice. Nevertheless, USC demonstrated resilience and determination to secure their bowl eligibility with this win, improving their record to 6-5 overall and 4-5 in the Big Ten Conference.
“It was an interesting week, and we made a commitment that nothing outside our control would serve as an excuse,” Riley remarked after the game. “The only experience I can liken it to is navigating a COVID football season.”
Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 221 yards and connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a crucial 4-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Running back Woody Marks contributed with 76 rushing yards, while Michael Lantz successfully kicked four field goals to aid the Trojans’ scoring.
This victory marked the fifth consecutive year that the visiting team has triumphed in the series, with the Trojans claiming 19 wins in the last 26 matchups. “These victories are meaningful. We understand the significance they hold for this city and our university,” Riley added.
For the Bruins (4-7, 3-6), quarterback Ethan Garbers completed 20 of 29 passes for 265 yards, with wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant catching five passes for 117 yards. Running back T.J. Harden contributed with 98 rushing yards, but Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster expressed disappointment:
“We let one slip away. Many of our losses have come from not finishing strong. We need to learn how to close out games.”
The pivotal go-ahead touchdown for the Trojans was set up by a 39-yard lateral pass from Makai Lemon to Kyron Hudson. Maiava then showcased his poise under pressure, dodging a potential sack by UCLA’s Jacob Busic before locating Lane in the back corner of the end zone. “Ja’Kobi is a phenomenal athlete. If he’s out there, I’m going to throw him the ball, and he made an incredible catch,” Maiava stated, who completed 19 of 35 attempts.
UCLA’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Garbers was stopped on a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak at the Bruins’ 34-yard line. Lantz then added another field goal, extending USC’s lead to six points. On the Bruins’ subsequent drive, Garbers faced pressure and was unable to connect on four consecutive passes, sealing their fate.
Defensively, the Trojans excelled, with Riley praising his team’s performance: “I can’t emphasize enough how well we played on defense. The big stops we made were critical. We truly played at a high level.”
After trailing 9-3 at halftime, UCLA took the lead with 9:37 left in the third quarter when Garbers threw a 10-yard touchdown to tight end Moliki Matavao. The Bruins later added a field goal from Mateen Bhaghani to extend their lead to 13-9.
UCLA initially scored after receiving the opening kickoff, with Bhaghani nailing a 51-yard field goal. A potential turnover for the Bruins was overturned upon review, as Garbers was deemed to be in the act of throwing when he was sacked.
In an unusual turn of events, UCLA began the second half with a kickoff from their own 5-yard line due to three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties assessed at the end of the first half. USC attempted to capitalize on their starting position at the 48-yard line but turned the ball over on downs after Lane dropped a catchable pass on fourth down.
“Retaliation is not an option. I know this game well, and I prepared my players for the intensity. It’s crucial to keep your composure,” Foster said regarding his team’s penalties.
Takeaways:
- USC: The Trojans improved their record in one-possession games to 3-5.
- UCLA: The Bruins have now lost two consecutive games, effectively ending their hopes for a bowl appearance.
Next Up:
- USC: The Trojans will host No. 6 Notre Dame next Saturday.
- UCLA: The Bruins will welcome Fresno State next Saturday.
