USC took the field at the Rose Bowl with a potent offense that, before the season, many heralded as the best in the country.
Fast-forward to today, and the Trojans look like anything but that offensive powerhouse. On the first play of the game, USC quarterback Matt Barkley threw an interception to senior cornerback Sheldon Price.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley and the Bruin offense took the field and converted on the turnover, and Hundley kept the ball for a 1-yard score.
After freshman Ka’imi Fairbairn hit a 23-yard field goal, the Bruins took advantage of yet another Trojan turnover after wide receiver Marqise Lee fumbled and the Bruins recovered.
On the ensuing drive, Hundley found redshirt senior tight end Joseph Fauria in the endzone to go up 17-0 over USC toward the end of the first half. Add in a touchdown from redshirt senior Johnathan Franklin and the Bruins built up a 24-point lead while the Trojans had nothing on the scoreboard.
But the Trojans didn’t let the half end quietly. Barkley found his touch and led two drives for scores before both teams headed to the tunnels with a score of 24-14.
Compiled by Chris Nguyen, Bruin Sports senior staff.