Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!USC Trojans defeated their cross-town rivals 29-10 to retain the Victory Bell in a game that dates back to 1929. The game started slowly as the visiting Bruins actually led 10-7 at the half, until the Trojan offense asserted themselves by scoring the next 22 points of the game to win by a comfortable margin.
The game marked the end of the season in Big 10 play with only the Trojans (9-3) moving on to a season ending bowl game. The Bruins (3-9) had a difficult year, replacing their coach at mid-season and likely moving out of the Rose Bowl next season.
In the 95th edition of the rivalry, USC’s Jayden Maiava threw for 257 yards and a TD, while surprise redshirt walk-on running back King Miller continued to shine in a back up role. Miller gained another 124 yards on just 17 carries and two touchdowns. Miller had an impressive 873 yards and a 6.7 yards per carry on the year.
“Another phenomenal night at the Coliseum as we protected our home field,” proclaimed USC Coach Lincoln Riley
The Trojans ranked 16th nationally, missed out on qualifying for the new post season CFP Playoff system of college football as only the top eight teams were chosen. USC will likely pay in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on December 30th against an opponent from the Big 12. The recent loss to Oregon in Eugene essentially eliminated any chances for the Trojans to make the playoffs.
The Bruins did show sparks of promise during the year, to include an unexpected signature win over Penn State 42-37, in early October to establish that this team can compete and win at a high level. When healthy, quarterback Nico Lamaleava showed he is among the elite in college football. At 6’6” he can run and throw as well as any to wear the Bruin jersey. Next season looks promising for Lamaleava.
USC suffered many key injuries to their offensive line this season, including each of their starting tailbacks. However their ability to recruit and rebuild has placed them, along with Oregon, as the top two in national recruiting for next year. They will likely lose outstanding junior wide receiver Makai Lemon to the NFL Draft, while Ja’Kobi Lane remains the other big target for quarterback Jayden Maiava in 2026.