In an exciting matchup at the Rose Bowl, the USC Trojans emerged victorious against the UCLA Bruins, securing a 19-13 win in the 94th Crosstown Showdown. Quarterback Jayden Maiava led the Trojans with a standout performance, passing for 221 yards and connecting with Ja’Kobi Lane on a crucial 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped seal the victory. With this win, USC improved their record to 6-5 and became bowl eligible.
Woody Marks contributed significantly on the ground with 76 rushing yards, while Michael Lantz made a difference with four successful field goals. The win continues a trend in this rivalry, with the road team now winning for the fifth consecutive year. USC has dominated the series recently, winning 19 of the last 26 meetings.
For UCLA, Ethan Garbers completed 20 of 29 passes for 265 yards and had a touchdown throw to Moliki Matavao, giving the Bruins a brief lead in the second half. However, after tracking the game closely, they ended the day with a disappointing record of 4-7, extinguishing their hopes of postseason play.
The turning point came when Maiava deftly avoided a sack and found Lane in the end zone to regain the lead for USC. The Bruins had their chances, even taking a lead in the third quarter, but were ultimately unable to convert on key fourth down attempts and could not capitalize on their final drive.
Next, USC will face a challenging matchup as they host the No. 6 Notre Dame next Saturday, while UCLA will regroup and look to finish the season strong, despite the setback.
This match not only adds to USC’s successful campaign but also highlights the competitive spirit within college football, reminding fans of the thrill and unpredictability of such rivalries. With both teams showcasing talent and determination, there’s a silver lining in the potential for growth and improvement as the season progresses.
The outlook remains hopeful for USC as they prepare for their upcoming high-stakes encounter, with a chance to build further momentum and demonstrate their resilience in the face of formidable opponents.