By Tim Peterson
(Los Angeles) – USC outscored UCLA 22-0 in the second half and went on to beat the Bruins 29-10 Saturday before 69, 614 at United Airlines Field at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
The Trojans trailed 10-7 at halftime scoring late in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from Jayden Maiava to Makai Lemon and then taking over from there.
USC scored first taking the opening drive and going 75 yards on 10 plays. King Miller finished it with a five-yard run.
After a UCLA punt the Trojans were in business again. They marched down into UCLA territory before being stopped. Ryon Sayeri attempted a 38-yard field goal that was blocked and the SC lead remained at seven.
The Bruins then pieced a together a 13-play, 79-yard drive. Nico Iamaleava hit Kwazi Gilmer on a two-yard touchdown pass to cap the drive and tie it at seven with 11:23 left in the second quarter.
USC’s special teams woes continued in the second quarter. The Trojans drive was stopped on the UCLA 12-yard line where Ryon Sayeri attempted a 30-yard field goal. But he missed it and the score remained tied at seven.
UCLA drove down field with Iamaleava leading the way with his legs. he broke off runs of 11 and 8 yards. They Bruins were halted at the 20-yard line where Mateen Bhaghani kicked a 38-yard field goal.
The Bruins took a 10-7 lead into the half. UCLA never scored again.
UCLA punted on each of its first two possessions in the third quarter. USC also punted on its first possession of the third quarter. On the Trojans next possession, the Trojans took over at their own nine-yard line and drove 91 yards on 10 plays. Lemon hauled in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Maiava to put USC back on top 14-10 with 25 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Trojans led 14-10 headed into the fourth quarter.
A good punt return by Lemon and a 27-yard pass from Maiava to Ja’Kobi Lane set up another USC score early in the fourth quarter. Maiava hit Lake McRee on a two-yard touchdown strike to put the Trojans up 21-10 with 11:24 left in the fourth.
After shutting down UCLA again and gaining control of the ball later in the quarter, Miller busted off a 41-yard touchdown run. The Trojans went for two as Gage Roy found Walker Lyons in the endzone for the final tally of the day with 2:29 left.
For USC Maiava completed 21 of 29 for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Miller rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
For UCLA Gilmer had a big night with 10 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Iamaleava threw for 200 yards and a score completing 27 of 38.
USC finished the regular season with a record of 9-3 and will participate in a bowl game. UCLA finished at 3-9 and will look forward to a new head coach and a new season in 2026.
UCLA 0 0 10 0 10
USC 7 0 7 15 29
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USC beats UCLA 29-10. These rivalry games are always a dogfight, and I’m relieved it turned out in favor of the Trojans. Best part of the night? Seeing Traveler trotting along the sidelines. Great tradition.