USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams #13 passes against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Jordan Addison #3 of the USC Trojans catches pass for yardage against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans passes against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
defensive lineman Jay Toia #93 of the UCLA Bruins is treated by the medical staff after a injury against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
UCLA Bruins look on as teammate defensive lineman Jay Toia #93 of the UCLA Bruins is treated by the medical staff after a injury against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams #13 scrambles for yardage against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Austin Jones #6 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Jordan Addison #3 of the USC Trojans catches pass for yardage against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Austin Jones #6 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams #13 passes against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Austin Jones #6 of the USC Trojans is tackled by the UCLA Bruins defense in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison catches a pass against UCLA in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
defensive back Mo Osling III #7 of the UCLA Bruins reacts with teammates linebacker Carson Schwesinger #49 of the UCLA Bruins after stopping the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Kam Brown #0 of the UCLA Bruins can’t reach a pass against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down against defensive back Calen Bullock #7 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans reacts after throwing a interception against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins runs for first down against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Kam Brown #0 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for yardage against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins ruins for first down against defensive back Max Williams #4 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans scrabbles against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins flexes his muscles after running for touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins runs for touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Kazmeir Allen #19 of the UCLA Bruins catches pass for first down against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Jake Bobo #9 of the UCLA Bruins can’t hold onto a pass against defensive back Mekhi Blackmon #6 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans slow to get up after being sacked by defensive lineman Jacob Sykes (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Jordan Addison #3 of the USC Trojans catches pass for as first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins dives for a first down against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
defensive lineman Jacob Sykes #99 of the UCLA Bruins sacks quarterback Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
tight end Michael Ezeike #86 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass and runs for touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
tight end Michael Ezeike #86 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass and runs for touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
tight end Michael Ezeike #86 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass and runs for touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Raleek Brown #14 of the USC Trojans is upended against linebacker Darius Muasau #53 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans runs for touchdown against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC Trojans misses a field goal attempt against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans looks on against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after running for a touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
linebacker Kain Medrano #20 of the UCLA Bruins intercepts a pass against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins runs of first down past defensive lineman Brandon Pili #91 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins runs for first down against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC Trojans tackles running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu #49 of the USC Trojans with the face mask on running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins runs for touchdown against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu #49 of the USC Trojans pressures quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Zach Charbonnet #24 of the UCLA Bruins runs for yardage against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams #13 passes against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson passes against USC in the first half of an NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins fans during a NCAA Football between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
The USC Trojans Marching band performs prior to a NCAA Football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
PASADENA — With under three minutes to go and USC clinging to a three-point lead over UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Korey Foreman was pacing up and down the sideline, knowing that “a play had to be made.”
“Right here right now,” Foreman said of his thinking. “It’s now.”
Foreman delivered, intercepting Dorian Thompson-Robinson to seal a 48-45 signature win for the Trojans in one of the most highly-anticipated crosstown football matchups between USC and UCLA in recent memory, in front of 70,865 fans. The win clinches a spot for USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game and keeps it in contention for a bid on the College Football Playoff.
“It’s pretty cool to be sitting here, getting the 10th win,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “Obviously, get a chance to go to the championship game — it’s obviously very, very meaningful.”
Caleb Williams had his best passing game of the season with a career-high 470 passing yards, completing 32 of 43 throws for two touchdowns.
USC (10-1 overall, 8-1 Pac 12) led 34-31 heading into the fourth quarter, in the midst of a barrage of touchdowns from both teams. Six straight drives between both teams ended in touchdowns, with neither defense able to get off the field.
Linebacker Shane Lee said USC’s mindset on the Bruins’ final possession was simple: “Get a stop and get off the field.”
“Any way necessary,” Lee added.
A 6-yard touchdown run by Darwin Barlow with nine minutes to go proved to be the eventual game-winner.
“We lost a three point game,” UCLA coach Chip Kelly said. “The guys played with great effort. Caleb is as good of a quarterback as we’ve played all year.”
In Riley’s first season, USC will appear in its third Pac-12 championship game in six years. It marks an immediate accomplishment for Riley, who took over a program that went 4-8 a season ago.
To clinch the Trojans’ trip to Las Vegas, Riley’s transfers who have led USC all season long delivered. Williams’ favorite target, Jordan Addison, had 11 catches for 178 yards.
The Trojans had a season-high 648 yards of total offense, and the Bruins had 507 yards.
“It’s going to be a dogfight,” Williams said, of his approach to the game. “You have to do your job and do your job at a high level and keep fighting — and keep swinging.”
In USC’s first game without leading rusher Travis Dye, running back Austin Jones had 120 yards on 21 carries, including a pair of touchdowns.
USC took its first lead early in the third quarter, with Williams finding a wide-open Addison down the right sideline for a 35-yard touchdown.
“Swings are going to happen, and you have to be prepared for it,” Williams said. “You have to keep fighting. You have to stay together.”
For UCLA (8-3, 5-3 Pac-12), Dorian Thompson-Robinson — who was 23 for 38 passing for 309 yards — turned the ball over four times. He was playing through pain in the second half with tape on his throwing hand.
“I feel disappointed in myself,” Thompson-Robinson said. “As a quarterback, I can’t have those turnovers.”
Kelly said that Thompson-Robinson was “special and his toughness was on display.”
Zach Charbonnet was held under 100 yards rushing, with 19 carries for 95 yards.
USC and UCLA were both 8-1 two weeks ago, but the Bruins lost last week to Arizona while the Trojans beat Colorado to put themselves in the driver’s seat in the Pac-12. UCLA needed a win to keep its hopes for the Pac-12 title game alive.
It took a while for both offenses to get going, with USC failing to score on its first three drives, but the two teams combined for 41 points in the first half. The Trojans got on the board on their fourth drive, with Williams running in a 6-yard score.
USC ended the half with 10 unanswered points. Austin Jones running in an 8-yard touchdown and Denis Lynch making a 49-yard field goal as time expired to cut the UCLA lead to 21-20 at the break.
UCLA jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter, with Thompson-Robinson starting the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run. After Kain Medrano intercepted Williams on USC’s next drive, Thompson-Robinson found tight end Michael Ezeike on the next play for a 30-yard touchdown. Ezeike had three touchdown catches in the game.
Riley said he was impressed by his team’s resilience, being down 14-0 and “not even flinching.”
“You can’t write the script first,” Riley said. “You’ve just got to be able to respond and respond with discipline.”
USC had 368 yards of total offense in the first half compared to 224 for UCLA. USC recorded two interceptions, while UCLA had one pick and forced a turnover on downs on the Trojans’ opening drive in the red zone.
Riley, unprompted, added at the end of his briefing that college football in Los Angeles and the West Coast is “alive and well.”
“The people that were in the stadium tonight, whether you were a UCLA fan or whether you were a USC fan, they won’t forget nights like that,” Riley said. “What an unbelievable experience.”
