USC grinds out a gritty win over UCLA

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Steven Mitchell Jr. during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Ronald Jones II rushing during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The No. 11 USC Trojans got all they could handle from cross town rival the UCLA Bruins. The Trojans grinded out a 28-23 victory at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday night.

USC played a balance game offensively keeping Sam Darnold to 17/28 throws for 264 yards  was credit to the Bruins plus one interception.

The running game featured Ronald Jones Jr. who carried the ball 28 times for 122 yards, who was called upon when the score needed to be kept informed.

“Two teams that really respected each other,” said coach  Clay Helton, “To come out on top is really rewarding.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Jordan Lasley catching his third touchdown during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)

The Bruins connection of Josh Rosen, Jordan Lasley was undeniable tonight. Lasley in his second game back torched the Trojans for three touchdowns with 204 yards.

Josh Rosen was lighting up the stat sheet but penalties was only thing to slow him down  so only threw for 421 yards.

“We have the utmost respect for Josh Rosen,” said linebacker Cameron Green, “HE come out tonight and show exactly what he is about.”

USC punts on first series, while UCLA drive stalled after illegal man downfield that nullified a 50 yard reception by Lasley.

In a bizarre shank punt results in touchdown by Michael Pitman due to Ajene Harris faked a fair catch.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Michael Pittman on a punt return for a touchdown during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

On senior night for the Trojans emotions running high didn’t seem to spill over to the playing field. Maybe little let down knowing that they will play for PAC-12 Championship on December 1 at Levi’s Stadium.

Lasley scores his second touchdown catch of the game on USC blown coverage for 9 yards to respond to their last touchdown to trail 21-14 in 3rd quarter.

USC Malik Dorton comes up with the play of half causing Josh Rosen to fumble and stop them from getting points on 37 yard line with :37 seconds left.

The score was 14-7 at the half with UCLA having the ball to start the third quarter.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Josh Rosen about to handoff during a college football game between the UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 at the Los Angeles memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

The ugly penalties was the Bruins Achilles heel throughout the game, with 12 penalties for 100 yards. But even more then the yards they were drive killers that helped out Trojans defense.

Now the Trojans will rest up and await who will win the right to face off against USC in the PAC-12 Championships game on December 1st.

As for the Bruins they have one last opportunity Friday November 24, to get that six victory to be Bowl eligible this season and finish with .500 record.