ROSE BOWL: USC 41, Northwestern 32 : ROSE BOWL NOTEBOOK

USC’s 24 first-half points were its most in a first half since the Trojans had 34 in the first half at the Cotton Bowl last season, in a 55-14 victory over Texas Tech.

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John Robinson indicated afterward USC’s worst play was easily the on-side kickoff that Northwestern recovered in the third quarter. He called it a “horrible” play.

The Wildcats’ Josh Barnes easily recovered the kick--no Trojan was within two yards of the ball.

It came after a Northwestern field goal had closed the gap to 24-13, and the Wildcats went on to score after the kickoff recovery, closing the margin to 24-19.