By Tim Peterson
(Los Angeles) – Cole Becker kicked 38-yard field goal as time expired to give Utah a 34-32 win over USC Saturday night at United Airlines Field at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans had taken the lead with 1:46 left on an 11-yard touchdown run by Caleb Williams but Utah was able to move the ball down to the USC 20 and Becker hit the game winner.
Becker also booted a 33-yarder with 8:24 left to give the Utes a 31-23 advantage. But the Trojans battled back. Denis Lynch kicked a 36-yard field goal with 3:03 left to make it 31-26. Then after USC forced a Utah punt, Zacahariah Branch fielded it and returned it 61 yards down to the Utah 11-yard line to set up Willams run.
The Trojans went for two but Williams’ pass in the endzone fell incomplete leaving USC up 32-31 with 1:46 left. This gave the Utes the opportunity and Bryson Barnes led Utah down the field to the victory. The celebration ensued for Utah while it was heartbreak for USC which suffered its second straight loss after opening the season 6-0.
Utah struck first on its first possession as Bryson Barnes hit Sione Vaki on a 53-yard touchdown pass for a quick 7-0 lead.
USC immediately answered going 75 yards on five plays. MarShawn Lloyd busted off a 45-yard touchdown run with 11:49 left in the first quarter.
A 52-yard pass from Williams to Tahj Washington down to the Utah one-yard line set up a one-yard touchdown run on a reverse by Branch. The Trojans took a 14-7 lead with 6:17 left in the first quarter.
Utah got even on the next series as a long kickoff return led to a 10-yard touchdown run by Barnes to tie it at 14 with 1:54 remaining in the first quarter.
The Trojans defense came up big mid-way through the second quarter stopping Barnes on fourth and one at the USC 17 yard line.
After an explosive first quarter the two teams played a scoreless second and went into the half tied at 14.
USC found itself in a hole in the third quarter. The Trojans went three and out on the first possession of the third. Utah then marched 59 yards on nine plays to regain the lead at 21-14. Barnes hit Landen King with a six-yard touchdown strike to finish the drive.
Lloyd fumbled on the Trojans next possession and the Utes were in business once again at their own 45.
Utah turned the turnover into points. The Utes used just five plays to go 55 yards. Barnes connected with Vaki on a 15-yard touchdown pass. It was Vaki’s second TD reception of the night.
Lynch booted a 44-yard field goal for USC as the third quarter came to an end to cut the Utah advantage to 28-17.
Muir’s own Calen Bullock gave the Trojans life as he intercepted a pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion failed leaving Utah up 28-23.
This gave USC the momentum to come all the way back until Becker’s kick ended it.
For USC Williams completed 24 of 34 for 256 yards without a touchdown or an interception. He ran for 27 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Washington had five receptions for 112 yards. Lloyd carried the ball seven times for 86 yards.
For Utah Barnes went 14 of 23 for 235 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw an interception. Ja’Quinden Jackson led the rushing attack with 127 yards on 26 attempts. Barnes did work with his legs as well running for 57 yards and a score on 10 carries.
Utah improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-12 with the victory while USC dropped to 6-2 and 4-1.
GO BRUINS !!!
Go Bruins!
Sick and tired of having to rely solely on Caleb Williams for everything, with no defense in sight. When Mr. Heisman is gone, look out…Lincoln Riley’s deficiencies will be glaringly obvious.