USC Trojans running back Ronald Jones II #25 looks up after scoring a TD in the 4th quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans linebacker John Houston Jr. #10 and USC Trojans defensive lineman Christian Rector #89 celebrate after Houston picked up a fumble in the 2nd quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen walks of the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates after defeating the UCLA Bruins 28-23 during a NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora upset during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles against the UCLA Bruins during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans cornerback Jack Jones (25) knocks away pass intended for UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2), but the ball spins and Lasley comes up with the catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) runs fora first down over UCLA Bruins defensive back Jaleel Wadood (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Theo Howard (14) catches a pass for a first down over USC Trojans cornerback Ajene Harris (27) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Theo Howard (14) catches a pass for a first down over USC Trojans cornerback Ajene Harris (27) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Matt Dickerson teammates help quarterback Josh Rosen (3) up after being sacked by USC Trojans safety Chris Hawkins (not pictured) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans safety Chris Hawkins (4) sacks UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen passes against the USC Trojans during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe reaches for a pass against the UCLA Bruins during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) walks off the field as the USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 28-23 during a NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) walks off the field as the USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 28-23 during a NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) walks off the field smiling after defeating the UCLA Bruins 28-23 during a NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) high fives fans after defeating the UCLA Bruins 28-23 during a NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) catches a pass for a touchdwon over USC Trojans cornerback Jack Jones (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. USC Trojans won 28-23. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans linebacker John Houston Jr. #10 and USC Trojans defensive lineman Christian Rector #89 celebrate after Houston picked up a fumble in the 2nd quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. #4 can’t bring down this pass against UCLA Bruins defensive back Nate Meadors #22 in the first half.USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The student body celebrates a TD in the 4th quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold #14 is brought down by UCLA Bruins linebacker Kenny Young #42 in the 4th quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold #14 scrambles away from UCLA Bruins linebacker Kenny Young #42 in the 4th quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen #3 is tackled by USC Trojans safety Marvell Tell III #7 and USC Trojans linebacker Jordan Iosefa #56 in the 4th quarter. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold #14 passes the ball in the 4th quarter. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen #3 is in the grasp of USC Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith #35 but manages to get away from him and USC Trojans tight end Austin Applebee #89 in the 4th quarter. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley #2 managed to catch this pass that was deflected by USC Trojans cornerback Jack Jones #25 in the 4th quarter. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans running back Ronald Jones II #25 looks up after scoring a TD in the 4th quarter. USC defeated UCLA 28-23 in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers Joc Pederson leads the Trojans out of the tunnel before the game. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. #4 gets yardage in the 3rd quarter. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Cheerleaders pose for a photo before USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen #3 drops back for a pass in the first half. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold #14 hands off to USC Trojans running back Ronald Jones II #25 for a TD in the first half. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC Trojans wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. #23 jumps over a defender in the first half. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts #88 catches a pass in front of USC Trojans cornerback Iman Marshall #8 in the first half. USC and UCLA played in a cross town rivalry football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. CA 11/17/2017 (Photo by John McCoy, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., right, celebrates with wide receiver Trevon Sidney after running back a punt for a 72-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
USC Trojans linebacker John Houston Jr. (10) celebrates with a teammate after a fumble by UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (not pictured) as Jackson Gibbs (17) walks past during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC running back Ronald Jones II, top, is tackled by UCLA defensive back Nate Meadors during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts (88) catches a pass for a first down past USC Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith (35) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans head coach Clay Helton during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins tight end Austin Roberts (88) catches a pass for a first down against the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora after the USC Trojans scores during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) against the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora looks toward the scoreboard during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans celebrate after a touchdown against UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (23) runs for yardage against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles against UCLA Bruins defensive back Nate Meadors (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) dives for a first down against the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) fumbles, but the play is ruled dead after review against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans linebacker John Houston Jr. (10) celebrates with a teammate after a fumble by UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (not pictured) as Jackson Gibbs (17) walks past during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen after fumbling against USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans defensive tackle Malik Dorton (44) causes a fumble by UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans defensive tackle Malik Dorton (44) causes a fumble by UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans defensive tackle Josh Fatu (98) sacks UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans defensive tackle Josh Fatu (98) sacks UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans linebacker John Houston Jr. (10) recovers a fumble by UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (not pictured) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans linebacker John Houston Jr. (10) recovers a fumble by UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (not pictured) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins place kicker JJ Molson (17) miss a field goal attempt against the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) celebrates with teammate with wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) after a first down catch against the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley reacts after a first down catch against the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) catches a pass for a first down over USC Trojans cornerback Jack Jones (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora with his team in the tunnel prior to a NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans head coach Clay Helton with his team in the tunnel prior to a NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC Trojans band prior to a NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES – The Coliseum was nearly silent as time expired Saturday night, a strange response to a USC victory in the Crosstown Rivalry.
Perhaps even the Trojans’ fans are tired of winning games and losing eye tests. USC defeated UCLA, 28-23, for its third straight victory over the Bruins but not many cheered a victory over a 16-point underdog.
That is unheard of in a USC-UCLA rivalry, where a mere victory is enough in this normally bitter encounter.
But it was virtually like every other USC victory this season. The Trojans did just enough to win but not enough to make anyone think they would defeat a top 10 team.
That will not matter to Clay Helton but it matters to the Trojans’ fan base and to Athletic Director Lynn Swann.
They will want to know how USC rushed for 153 yards against the nation’s worst run defense, which surrendered 302.3 yards rushing before the game. That was 9 yards less than Memphis gained against UCLA, the Bruins’ best effort of the season.
They will also want to know how USC’s secondary allowed 421 yards passing and wide receiver Jordan Lasley to catch three touchdown passes. This is normal for a garden-variety Pac-12 defense but USC is supposed to be an elite team.
Lasley’s caught five touchdowns in two years against the Trojans, so apparently defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is still searching for answers.
If anyone wanted the College Football Playoff committee to show more respect to USC, they better hope none of the members watched the game, as the Trojans committed 11 penalties for 115 yards.
USC wide receiver Michael Pittman provided the highlight of the game with a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown but the Trojans committed at least four penalties on special teams.
UCLA finished with 501 yards in offense.
“Their offensive skill was phenomenal,” Helton said. “We went into the game saying we would have to play our best to win.”
That did not happen. Not even close. But USC played just well enough to win. As usual.
“Any time you get into a rivalry game . . . it was really a hard-fought game, to come out on top was very rewarding for us,” Helton said.
Thank God the game was a showcase for Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen because it badly needed some energy. The contest illustrated their strengths and weaknesses.
Rosen was accurate but did not show much mobility when USC blitzed. Darnold was mobile and throwing on the run but missed on an open deep ball to tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe. For the 20 NFL scouts in attendance, it depended on what they wanted in a quarterback.
Helton had no such dilemma choosing because Darnold’s bailed him out all season, including Saturday. In fact, Darnold should be mad at Helton because the Trojans did not have any timeouts left at the end of the first half, when the star quarterback got tackled as he ran at the UCLA 5-yard line and the clock ran out.
Just another missed opportunity for USC (10-2). The first half played out like so many other games. The Trojans appeared to be in control but never led by more than a touchdown.
In the second half, Pendergast went into his Cover 0 defense after the Trojans opened up a 21-7 lead. UCLA needed only two minutes, 35 seconds to answer with another touchdown.
Although USC cornerback Jack Jones has been the poster boy for losing composure in recent games, offensive tackle Chuma Edoga grabbed the crown Saturday night. He committed a personal foul, then argued with the officials and threw his helmet as he came off the field.
Edoga also had a false start and two penalties the previous week against Colorado. One reason he has not played at times this season is because of losing his temper with the coaches during games.
It’s all just another sign of the lack of discipline within the program. At least Jones did not commit any unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for the first time in three games but he gave up a touchdown and 41-yard completion to Lasley.
