USC Trojans Survive Chaotic Showdown Against California Golden Bears

In a bizarre final showdown between the USC Trojans and the California Golden Bears, the game kicked off eight minutes late due to protesters on the field. Once the action started, the Trojans appeared to protest playing defense, allowing the Bears to score 49 points and rack up 527 total yards of offense. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Trojans managed to secure a hard-fought victory, leaving the field with a win in the final chapter of this historic rivalry.

Key Takeaways:

• USC’s defense struggled against Cal, allowing 49 points and 527 total yards.
• Despite being down by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Trojans staged a late comeback.
• USC’s victory ended their two-game losing streak but left them with mixed feelings due to their opponent’s 3-4 record.

The Trojans took an early 3-0 lead with a field goal by Dennis Lynch and quickly extended it to 10-0 with a Marshawn Lloyd rushing touchdown following a Cal fumble. The Bears responded with a 43-yard rushing touchdown by Jaydn Ott, but USC answered with a Caleb Williams passing touchdown to Austin Jones, making it 17-7 Trojans.

Cal showcased their resilience with Ott’s explosive plays, but USC held their ground. A field goal attempt by Lynch to close the half went awry, leading to a prolonged halftime discussion. USC came out swinging in the second half, with Williams scoring a rushing touchdown. However, a missed two-point conversion kept them trailing at 28-23.

Both teams experienced ups and downs, with USC struggling on special teams and Cal’s offense finding its rhythm. As the game headed into the fourth quarter, USC staged a dramatic comeback, scoring consecutive rushing touchdowns by Williams and Lloyd. Chaos ensued with fumbles and missed opportunities on both sides.

Ultimately, USC secured the win thanks to a go-ahead touchdown by Jones, and the Bears’ failed two-point conversion attempt sealed their fate. An onside kick attempt by the Bears was unsuccessful, bringing an end to what can only be described as one of the most unusual games of the 2023 college football season.

While the Trojans managed to escape with a win, the victory leaves mixed emotions, given the competitive nature of the game and the Bears’ 3-4 record. Regardless, USC improved to 7-2 on the season, ending their two-game losing streak and concluding the storied rivalry with a memorable victory.