USC 19, UCLA 13

TLDR: Overcoming a challenging week marked by a flu outbreak, the USC Trojans rallied to secure a dramatic 19-13 victory over their crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins, during the 94th edition of the Crosstown Showdown at the Rose Bowl. Head Coach Lincoln Riley emphasized resilience in the face of adversity, comparing the ordeal to the uncertainty of a COVID-impacted season. Key plays included quarterback Jayden Maiava’s pivotal 4-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane, cementing USC’s bowl eligibility as they improved to 6-5. Despite the Bruins taking an early lead, USC’s defense held strong. Ethan Garbers, the UCLA quarterback, struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with critical stops by the Trojans ensuring their victory. This marked USC’s fifth consecutive road win in the series, highlighting the intense rivalry between the teams. Both teams look ahead to upcoming games next Saturday, with USC hosting Notre Dame and UCLA hosting Fresno State.

Amid a trying week, the USC Trojans pulled off a remarkable win against their arch-rivals UCLA, securing a 19-13 victory at the historic Rose Bowl. The Trojans entered the battle with a depleted roster due to a flu outbreak that knocked out 27 players and staff earlier in the week. But, as Head Coach Lincoln Riley would have it, this was just another bump in the road. Riley eloquently compared the week’s trials to the tumultuous times of the COVID football season, emphasizing determination and focus on the task at hand.

Jayden Maiava delivered a commendable performance, throwing for 221 yards and finding Ja’Kobi Lane in the end zone to clinch the vital touchdown that would turn the game in favor of the Trojans. Maiava’s spotlight moment came in the latter part of the fourth quarter when, dodging an aggressive Bruins defense, he connected with Lane for a sensational 4-yard touchdown pass, cementing USC’s path to bowl eligibility. The victory was nothing short of magic, considering USC’s narrow games all season.

For the fifth year in a row, the visiting team claimed victory in this ferocious rivalry. Riley’s reflection on the game’s significance was met with acknowledgment of its weight on the city and university, given the Trojans’ history of conquering 19 out of the last 26 meetings. Not to forget, USC’s relentless defense was pivotal, stopping UCLA’s Garbers drive attempts and suffocating any significant advancement by the Bruins’ offensive line.

Garbers, UCLA’s quarterback, had his moments but ultimately struggled, ending up with 265 yards and failing to convert critical plays into points. Despite UCLA taking an initial lead and extending it in the third quarter, costly errors and missed opportunities plagued them, evidenced by their stretch of four consecutive incomplete passes to end the game. Coach DeShaun Foster lamented over “another one slipping through,” hoping to find answers to his team’s pattern of missed chances.

As the teams turn towards their last regular-season games, both have formidable challenges ahead. USC will have to bring its A-game against a strong Notre Dame team, while UCLA faces Fresno State, hoping to salvage something from a season marred by close-call losses and missed opportunities. The Trojans, fueled by this monumental win, have proven their mettle, ready to finish the season with the same tenacity displayed at the Rose Bowl showdown.