In a thrilling encounter at the Rose Bowl, USC football triumphed over UCLA with a narrow 19-13 victory in the much-anticipated 94th Crosstown Showdown. Quarterback Jayden Maiava showcased his skills by throwing for 221 yards, including a crucial 4-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane in the fourth quarter, leading the Trojans to their sixth win of the season and securing bowl eligibility.
Woody Marks contributed significantly to the victory with 76 rushing yards, while Michael Lantz’s performance was solid, nailing four field goals throughout the game. This result marks the fifth consecutive year that the visiting team has emerged victorious in this storied rivalry, and the Trojans have now claimed 19 of the last 26 meetings.
For UCLA, quarterback Ethan Garbers had a commendable performance, completing 20 of 29 passes for 265 yards. Despite a strong effort, which included a 10-yard touchdown connection with tight end Moliki Matavao, the Bruins ultimately fell short in their attempt to keep their bowl hopes alive, now sitting at 4-7.
In a pivotal moment, Maiava avoided a sack and skillfully moved to find Lane in the back corner of the end zone, putting USC ahead. Although UCLA momentarily took the lead after a touchdown and an additional field goal, the Trojans were able to regain control. Notably, UCLA’s drive late in the game stalled after Garbers was unable to convert on a fourth-and-1 sneak, leaving USC to extend their lead.
UCLA’s challenges were exacerbated by three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties at the end of the first half, resulting in an unusual second-half kickoff from their own 5-yard line. This incident illustrates the mounting pressure the Bruins faced throughout the game.
In summary, while USC celebrates a significant victory over their rivals and the chance to compete in a bowl game, UCLA will need to regroup and refocus after seeing their hopes dashed for this season, with their next matchup also critical for improvement.
Looking forward, USC will prepare to face a tough opponent as they host the No. 6 Notre Dame next Saturday, creating anticipation for fans eager to see how the Trojans will fare against higher-ranked competition.
This remarkable victory not only highlights USC’s resilience but also demonstrates the competitive spirit prevalent in college football, providing a solid foundation for future prospects.