Sanchez went 8-9 in that quarter, and the Trojans gained 148 yards. UCLA gained only 38.
Anothy silly mistake from USC; the Trojans went offside on a third down and one, and the penalty gives the Bruins a first down.
Back-up quarterback Chris Forcier subs in and carries the ball for four yards, but Micah Reed held his defender on the play, and the Bruins are now forced back into first down and 20 to go.
A play designed to get UCLA just a few yards fails. Craft tried a short screen to tight end Ryan Moya, which would have made this third down and 20 much more manageable.
A very bad break for the Bruins. Aaron Perez’ punt is blocked, and now the Trojans will start with excellent field position. That is the first blocked punt of the season against UCLA.
Here comes a very significant play. USC has third down and four yards to go at the Bruins’ 44 yard line…
A beautiful sweep play to Joe McKnight and the Bruins really had no chance. McKnight went for 10 yards.
Interception, Michael Norris. A phenomenal, one-handed snag. The Bruins will take over at their own 11 yard line, but they’ve atleast stopped USC from opening a 14 point lead.
USC is loading the box and clearly expecting a run on most offensive plays; until Kevin Craft can complete a few passes, there’s no reason for them to abandon that strategy.
Another three-and-out for UCLA, but a monstrous, 64-yard punt from Aaron Perez pushes the Trojans back to the 30 yard line.
Right now, UCLA coaches would probably like to just stay within seven points before halftime. The Trojans have more than seven minutes to widen that lead, and they also receive the ball to start the third quarter.
Instead of defending third and twelve, UCLA will accept a holding penalty and push the Trojans back into second down and 22. IT’s a questionable decision, if only because USC has had no trouble throwing down field today.
Gamechanger. David Carter is flagged for a personal foul, roughing the kicker penalty, and the Trojans gain an automatic first-down. UCLA coaches are livid on the sideline, with reason.
Redshirt freshman Glenn Love has replaced senior Brett Locket at strong safety. I don’t know if this is an injury situation or not.
Joe McKnight just gained an important first down for USC, but play has stopped momentarily because Umpire Matt Jordan is down with an injry.
Brian Price is called for roughing the passer again, and USC moves to first and goal at the two yard line. The Trojans have 16 first downs this half.
Stafon Johnson carries for a short TD run, and USC finally claims a commanding lead. Trojans 21, Bruins 7.
Don’t you think Rick Neuheisel wishes he had that extra timeout right now? UCLA gets the ball with 1:55 remaining and desperately needs to score. But they only have one timeout left.
So much for the clutch two-minute drill. UCLA went three-and-out again, and the Trojans will now have 55 seconds to try to score and extend their 14 point lead.
UCLA is not applying as much pressure on USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, and, with more time, Sanchez is picking the Bruin defense to pieces.
Another missed field goal by USC kicker David Buehler, and it’s still a two-score game.