USC 17, California 3

USC receiver Ronald Johnson splits California defenders to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter Saturday night.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC Coach Pete Carroll celebrates the final touchdown during the fourth quarter in a 17-3 victory over California on Saturday night at the Coliseum.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC running back Joe McKnight tries to make a diving catch in the end zone but the ball is just beyond his reach during the fourth quarter Saturday. McKnight had beaten California‘s Marcus Ezeff down the sideline.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC defensive end Kyle Moore sacks California quarterback Kevin Riley in the fourth quarter Saturday.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC safety Taylor Mays comes up with an interception on a pass intended for California’s Sean Young, who drew an interference penalty from the Trojans’ Kaluka Maiava.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC tailback Joe McKnight looks for more yardage as an official tumbles to the ground during the fourth quarter Saturday night.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC tailback C.J. Gable eludes California defenders during a big gain in the fourth quarter Saturday night.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC defensive ends Clay Matthews, left, and Kyle Moore combine for a sack of Golden Bears quarterback Kevin Riley in the fourth quarter Saturday.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s Cary Harris tries in vain to break up a pass to California receiver Nyan Boateng on Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC running back Joe McKnight makes a cut during a big gain in the fourth quarter Saturday against California.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC cornerback Josh Pinkard steps in front of California receiver Nyan Boateng to make an interception in the third quarter Saturday.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC receiver Damien Williams comes up with a catch in the fourth quarter Saturday despite the defense of California‘s Worrell Williams, left, and Brett Johnson.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC defensive end Everson Griffin celebrates his sack of California quarterback Nate Longshore in the second quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC cornerback Cary Harris knocks the ball away from Golden Bears receiver Verran Tucker in the first quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)