USC vs. Cal score, summary: Trojans pull away in fourth for fourth win

The USC vs. Cal score changed drastically from the third quarter to the fourth, but, in the end, the Trojans emerged on top with a 30-20 victory.

The lowdown: USC came out of the blocks slowly, struggling to capitalize on two early defensive turnovers. Jack Jones nabbed an interception and Christian Rector forced a fumble to steady a tough start for the Trojan defense, but Sam Darnold and the USC offense’s struggles saw a pair of Chase McGrath field goals in the first half keep them in the game.

When Cal’s Vic Enwere punched in a short score to start the second quarter, the Trojans responded immediately with a heavy dose of Stephen Carr. Darnold finished off the drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Petite.

To start the second half, the Trojans were fortunate when the Bears settled for a field goal, and missed, on their opening drive. The two teams traded fourth down attempts, and failures, as the third quarter came to an end.

Early in the fourth, McGrath hit a third field goal from 46 yards to break the deadlock, 16-13.

Carr extended the Trojans lead to 10 points after Uchenna Nwosu grabbed a fumble at the two-yard line. The running back’s short-yardage touchdown made it 23-13.

When another USC turnover—Ykili Ross’ deep interception—gave the Trojans the ball back, Darnold found Deontay Burnett for a short score to add to the advantage, 30-13.

The Bears would add a late score to cover the spread but this was all USC late.

Highlights:

The quick takeaway: It was another ugly performance from the Trojans. But it was also another win.

Questions need to be asked of the lackluster start, and another third quarter which left Trojans fans wanting. An off-day for Darnold, inconsistent offensive line play, big passing plays conceded and the persistence of sloppy play across the board will take the shine off of a rivalry victory.

On the plus side, the Trojan defense forced five turnovers. McGrath hit every kick he attempted. Carr proved capable of carrying the load in the absence of Ronald Jones II and Tyler Vaughns emerged as a viable option in the absence of Steven Mitchell.

Player of the game: Chase McGrath. Once again, the walk-on freshman kicker was money, hitting 3-of-3 field goal attempts to keep USC on pace.

Stat of the game: USC was held scoreless in the third quarter for the third-consecutive game.

Next on tap: The Trojans will stay in their road whites, traveling even further north to face the Washington State Cougars on Sept. 29, a Friday night in Pullman.