The original version of this article contained an error and has been changed. See the bottom of the article for more information.
Emotions were high at the beginning of UCLA’s rivalry matchup against USC.
The Bruins formed a giant huddle on the field following the coin toss, players jumping and bouncing about.
But the high stakes and passion led to some sloppy first-half play, with each team capitalizing on the other’s mistakes. At halftime, UCLA leads 24-14.
On UCLA’s second offensive play, redshirt junior quarterback Brett Hundley stared down one receiver and his throw was intercepted. USC returned the pick for a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead.
UCLA responded, completing a 31-yard pass to junior wide receiver Devin Fuller on the first play of its next drive. After eventually being forced to punt on that drive, USC junior returner Nelson Agholor fumbled the punt and UCLA recovered inside the USC 10-yard line.
UCLA converted on its opportunity as Hundley found redshirt junior wide receiver Devin Lucien all alone in the end zone for a touchdown to tie the game.
After forcing a USC three-and-out with great pass coverage, UCLA opened its next offensive drive with a play action pass to a wide open sophomore receiver Thomas Duarte for a 57-yard touchdown catch.
Near the end of the first half, after a UCLA three-and-out, junior punter Matt Mengel fumbled a high snap and barely got the ball off. The short kick gave USC the ball on UCLA’s 30 yard line.
USC drove the ball inside UCLA’s 10 yard line, but the Bruins held the Trojans scoreless, stuffing their fourth down attempt at the five yard line.
The Trojans eventually tied the game at 14 after running back Justin Davis caught a swing pass and extended the ball over the left pylon.
UCLA nearly answered with another long touchdown pass, but Hundley’s long ball to an open Fuller was much too short and was swatted away by USC freshman defensive back Adoree’ Jackson. The Bruins eventually had to settle for a 32-yard field goal, which put them back on top, 17-14 with 5:54 to go in the half.
A one-handed interception by redshirt senior inside linebacker Eric Kendricks furthered UCLA’s momentum. The Bruins made the most of the turnover, as Hundley found redshirt freshman wide receiver Eldridge Massington over the middle for a touchdown to put UCLA up 24-14 with 14 seconds left in the half.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.
Correction: Headline originally said UCLA leads USC 24-17.