USC can’t keep up with Washington in scoring spree, dashing its Pac-12 title hopes
All they needed was one little spark, Lincoln Riley assured his USC Trojans, one measly twist of fate from the football gods for things to go their way.
What No. 20 USC got instead against No. 5 Washington was a whirling inferno, with enough twists and turns to leave a sold-out Coliseum crowd’s heads spinning. Thrust into an extravaganza of explosive plays, on a night when defense was largely optional, the Trojans caught fire but were left smoldering in a 52-42 loss, their Pac-12 title hopes largely reduced to ash.
The Trojans piled up 515 yards. They rushed for 203, just short of a season high, without their lead back, MarShawn Lloyd. Quarterback Caleb Williams had his best game in more than a month, accounting for four touchdowns. One after another, USC piled up big plays, 17 in all.
Caleb Williams can’t convert on fourth down, sealing a loss
No. 5 Washington 51, No. 20 USC 42, end of fourth quarter
USC started at its 22 after Zachariah Branch’s return.
Caleb Williams passed to Tahj Washington for eight yards and then passed to him again for six yards. Austin Jones then rushed for 11 yards to the USC 47.
Williams avoided a sack and ran out of bounds after gaining five yards. Williams’ next pass downfield as he rolled out of the pocket bounced on the turf short of his receiver. On third-and-five, Williams passed to Raleek Brown for a one-yard gain.
On fourth-and-four, USC called timeout with 1:07 left.
Williams passed toward Washington on the left sideline and the ball sailed out of bounds.
The sequence sealed the Trojans’ third loss of the season in front of a homecoming crowd and crushed its Pac-12 championship hopes.
Washington then ran out the clock.
Williams was emotional after the loss, jumping into the stands and embracing his mom while crying. ABC/ESPN sideline reported Holly Rowe noted throughout the game that Williams was highly engaged with his teammates all game, encouraging them after both mistakes and big plays.
Washington extends its lead to 10
No. 5 Washington 51, No. 20 USC 42, 2:20 left in the fourth quarter
Washington starts at its 9 after a fair catch on the USC punt.
Dillon Johnson rushed right for a 53-yard gain, moving the ball to the USC 38.
Michael Penix Jr.’s next pass was incomplete. USC was called for pass interference and Washington was called for holding, so the plays offset.
Tybo Rogers rushed for four yards and then for a one-yard gain, bringing up third-and-five. Penix passed to Giles Jackson for four yards. After a review, it was deemed a five-yard gain for a first down.
Washington attempted a reverse pitch and Rogers gained four yards. Penix then passed to Giles Jackson for a seven-yard gain, moving the ball to the USC 17.
Penix passed to Ja’Lynn Polk for a five-yard gain. Penix pitched left to Johnson, who gained 11 yards.
On first-and-goal at the USC 1, Johnson rushed for a one-yard touchdown. Washington hit the extra point to extend its lead with 2:20 left in the game.
USC drive ends with Caleb Williams sack
No. 5 Washington 45, No. 20 USC 42, 7:42 left in the fourth quarter
USC started at its 25 after a fair catch on the kickoff.
Raleek Brown rushed 14 yards to the USC 39 and then Caleb Williams passed to Brown for a three-yard gain. Williams passed to Tahj Washington for a six-yard gain. On third-and-one, Austin Jones ran for 25 yards to the Washington 27.
Williams passed to Mario Williams to the left side for a gain of three yards. Brown rushed for no gain, bringing up third-and-seven at the Washington 24. Williams passed quickly to Washington for 24-yard touchdown, but the Trojans were called for holding.
On third-and-13, USC got a chance to briefly huddle while a Washington player was helped off the field due to the injury. Williams was sacked for a loss of 12 yards, pushing USC back to Washington’s 42.
USC punted and Washington called for a fair catch.
USC defense limits Washington to a field goal
No. 5 Washington 45, No. 20 USC 42, 12:25 left in the fourth quarter
Washington opened the fourth quarter facing first-and-10 at its 39.
USC was called for pass intereference after an incomplete pass.
On first down at the USC 46, Dillon Johnson gained six yards and then rumbled for 20 yards.
On first down at the USC 20, Michael Penix Jr. rolled to the left sideline and tossed the ball out of bounds. Will Nixon rushed for a yard. On third-and-nine, USC called timeout. USC’s Eric Gentry then sacked Penix for a seven-yard loss. Grady Gross then kicked a 43-yard field goal to give Washington a slim lead.
Washington is driving as the third quarter ends
No. 20 USC 42, No. 5 Washington 42, end of third quarter
Washington started at its 28-yard line after a 22-yard return.
Dillon Johnson ran for five yards and then Washington was called for a false start.
On second-and-10, Johnson ran for nine yards. Michael Penix Jr. faked a handoff and nearly was stopped on third-and-one before gaining two yards.
At the end of the third quarter, Washington has the ball at its 39.
Caleb Williams leads another scoring drive to tie the game
No. 20 USC 42, No. 5 Washington 42, 1:41 left in the third quarter
USC starts on its 17 after a Zachariah Branch 17-yard kickoff return.
Caleb Williams’ deep pass to Duce Robinson sailed high and was incomplete.
Williams passed to Robinson for a 43-yard gain, but it was reduced by a 10-yard holding penalty.
On first down at the 50, Williams passed to Mario Williams for 14 yards. Caleb Williams ran for two yards and tossed an incomplete pass before finding Tahj Washington for a 14 yard gain.
On first down at the Washington 20, Williams passed to Mario Williams for a 20-yard touchdown. With the extra point, USC tied the game.
Michael Penix Jr. and Washington offense efficiently reclaims the lead
No. 5 Washington 42, No. 20 USC 35, 4:21 left in the third quarter
Washington started on its 20 after a touchback.
Ja’Lynn Polk ran for seven yards and Dillon Johnson followed it wit a 33-yard gain, moving the ball to the USC 35.
Michael Penix Jr. passed incomplete downfield, throwing toward Odunze Rome. USC was called for both pass interference and roughing the passer on the play, with the roughing penalty accepted.
On first down at the USC 20, Johnson rushed for six yards and then was dropped for a six-yard loss.
On third-and-10, Penix passed to Jack Westover for 11 yards to the USC 9. Tybo Rogers ran for eight yards and Penix completed the drive with a one-yard touchdown.
Washington hit the extra point to reclaim the lead.
Caleb Williams leads touchdown drive after USC defense’s interception
No. 20 USC 35, No. 5 Washington 35, 8:00 left in the third quarter
USC started with the ball on its 20 after the Trojans’ interception.
The Trojans rushed for no gain before Caleb Williams found Tahj Washington for a 34-yard gain.
Williams evaded pressure and passed to Lake McRee for a two-yard gain. Williams the rushed for 10 yards, moving the ball to the Washington 34.
On first down, Williams’ pas to Brenden Rice was broken up. He then passed to Dorian Singer for a nine-yard gain. On third-and-one, Williams faked a handoff and sailed a ball out of bounds along the left sideline.
USC went for it on fourth-and-one at the Washington 34. Williams rolled away from a potential sack and passed deep to Brenden Rice for 25-yard touchdown on the left side of the end zone.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to tie the game.
USC defense comes up with big red zone interception
No. 5 Washington 35, No. 20 USC 28, 11:34 left in the third quarter
Washington started on its 29 after a 29-yard kickoff return.
Dillon Johnson ran for one yard and then carried to ball for 10, but Washington was called for an illegal formation.
On second-and-14 at the Washington 25, Michael Penix Jr. passed to Johnson for 15 yards, moving the ball to the Huskies’ 40.
Penix’s next pass was incomplete. He then passed to Germie Bernard for a 14-yard gain. Penix passed to Ja’Lynn Polk for nine yards and Rome Odunze for 16, moving the ball to the USC 21.
Just as it seemed Washington was poised to take a two-touchdown lead, Christian Roland-Wallace intercepted the ball in the end zone. A huge turnover for the Trojans.
Caleb Williams sacked to close rough finish to second quarter
No. 5 Washington 35, No. 20 USC 28, end of second quarter
USC got the ball at its 25-yard line with 20 seconds left after the turnover and Washington score.
Caleb Williams handed off to Austin Jones, who gained 14 yards.
Williams spiked the ball on and then passed to Zachariah Branch for six yards.
On third-and-four with three seconds left at the USC 45, the Trojans called timeout. Williams was then sacked for a loss was time expired.
USC lost some momentum after Williams’ turnover and will open the third quarter on defense.
Caleb Williams fumble sets up Washington touchdown
No. 5 Washington 35, No. 20 USC 28, 20 seconds left in the second quarter
USC starts on its 25 after a touchback with 1:14 left in the second quarter.
Caleb Williams tried to avoid a sack and lost control of the football. Washington recovered the fumble at the USC 12-yard line.
Dillon Johnson rushed for three yards and carried the ball again for a gain of eight yards.
On first-and-goal at the SUC 1, Johnson rushed for the 1-yard touchdown and Washington hit the extra point.
Washington ties the game late in second quarter
No. 20 USC 28, No. 5 Washington 28, 1:14 left in the second quarter
Washington started at its 30 after USC was called offsides on the kickoff.
Michael Penix Jr. passed to Ja’Lynn Polk for 32 yards to the USC 38.
On first down, Dillon Johnson ran for one yard loss. USC’s defense broke up a pass play on second down. On third-and-11, Will Nixon ran for five yards.
Washington went for it on fourth-and-six, with Penix passing to Rome Odunze for a 26-yard gain.
On first down at the USC eight, Penix passed to Polk for two yards. On second-and-goal at the USC 6, the Trojans called timeout with 1:22 left on the clock. Johnson ran for two yards. On third-and-goal at the USC 4, the Trojans again burned a timeout with 1:18 on the clock and the hope of giving the ball to its offense with time on the clock.
Penix passed Polk for a four-yard touchdown and Washington hit the extra point.
USC’s offense will get a chance to try to score with 1:14 left in the second quarter.
USC scores off trick play to reclaim the lead
No. 20 USC 28, No. 5 Washington 21, 4:04 left in the second quarter
USC started on its 25 after the touchback.
Caleb Williams got a lot of praise from ESPN’s Holly Rowe for his sideline work pumping up his teammates. He then took the opening snap of the drive, faking a handoff and running for 14 yards.
On first down at the USC 39, Williams evaded a sure sack and passed to Lake McRee for five yards. Austin Jones took a hard tackle but held onto the ball for a 10-yard gain.
On first down at the Washington 46, Williams passed to Mario Williams for five yards.
Caleb Williams handed off to Zachariah Branch, who ran to the left, saw no opening, flipped the ball back to Williams and Williams passed to Tahj Washington for a 41-yard touchdown up the left sideline.
USC coach Lincoln Riley immediately responded to Washington’s pre-snap formation changes that set up a touchdown with the Trojans’ trick-play touchdown.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to give USC the lead.
Washington matches USC with a five-play scoring drive of its own
No. 20 USC 21, No. 5 Washington 21, 6:44 left in the second quarter
Washington returned USC’s kickoff to the Huskies’ 25.
On first down, Dillon Johnson ran five yards and then carried the ball for another 11 to move the ball to the Huskies’ 41.
Michael Penix Jr. passed high and to his right to Johnson for a four-yard loss. On second-and-14, Will Nixon ran for 11. On third-and-three, the Coliseum crowd roared and Washington cycled through pre-snap misdirection. Ultimately, Penix handed off to Johnson for a 52-yard touchdown run capped by a dive over the end zone pylon.
With the extra point, Washington tied the game and continued the offensive fireworks.
USC running backs carve up Washington during a five-play scoring drive
No. 20 USC 21, No. 5 Washington 14, 9:31 left in the second quarter
Zachariah Branch reacted late to collect a kickoff around the USC 1 and ran it to the Trojans’ 5.
Austin Jones ran for 11 yards, moving the ball to the USC 16.
On first down, Caleb Williams evaded a sure sack and passed to Lake McRee, who also avoided a tackle to gain nine yards. On second-and-one, Jones bolted up the middle and held onto the ball while gaining 31 yards.
On first down at the Washington 44, Darwin Barlow ran for 43 yards to the Huskies’ 1. Barlow then ran for a one-yard touchdown. Washington was called for offsides on the play, but the penalty was declined.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point and the Trojans’ offense is rolling.
The USC used five plays to gain 92 yards and took just 2:02 off the clock.
Michael Penix Jr. delivers highlight touchdown play to tie game
No. 20 USC 14, No. 5 Washington 14, 11:37 left in the second quarter
Washington started the second quarter at its 32.
On first down, Washington used a reverse to set up what looked like a pass play for Germie Bernard. He kept the ball for a 15-yard gain instead, moving the ball to the Huskies’ 47.
Asa Turner ran for six yards before Michael Penix Jr. passed to Turner, who brushed off a USC tackle along the sideline and gained 14 yards, moving the ball to the USC 33.
On first down, Penix tossed an incomplete pass. Penix passed to Rome Odunze across the middle for a gain of 19 yards.
Penix then pumped faked and overthrew Odunze, who was open in the end zone.
On second down at the USC 14, Dillon Johnson ran for 14-yard touchdown. Flags were tossed and the Huskies were called for a personal foul.
It brought up second-and-24 at the USC 28. Johnson ran for six yards.
On third-and-18, Penix evaded what looked like a sure sack, bought time and passed to Devin Culp for a 22-yard touchdown. Washington hit the extra point to tie the game.
Washington earns first down before time expires in first quarter
No. 20 USC 14, No. 5 Washington 7, end of first quarter
Washington returned the USC kickoff 21 yards and the Huskies start at their 21.
The Huskies rushed for five yards and Michael Penix Jr. passed for six, moving the ball to the Washington 32 before time expired in the first quarter.
It’s been a promising opening period for USC, with a homecoming crowd roaring at the Coliseum.
USC defense, special teams and offense combine to set up a touchdown
No. 20 USC 14, No. 5 Washington 7, 35 seconds left in the first quarter
Michael Penix Jr.’s pass to Ja’Lynn Polk for nine yards, but it was offset by a 10-yard tripping penalty.
On first-and-20 at the Washington 10, Dillon Johnson ran for eight yards. Penix’s next pass was then broken up. On third-and-12, USC blitzed and Penix passed downfield and out of bounds.
Washington punted and it was blocked by Kade Eldridge, with USC’s Carson Tabaracci falling on the ball at the eight-yard line.
Austin Jones rushed for seven yards before Caleb Williams faked a handoff to run in for a one-yard touchdown.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to take the lead.
USC drive stalls after a key drop
No. 20 USC 7, No. 5 Washington 7, 2:34 left in the first quarter
USC starts on its 25 after a touchback on the Washington kickoff.
Caleb Williams danced a lot, rolled out of a collapsing pocket and found Brenden Rice for a 19-yard gain.
On first down at the USC 44, Williams passed to Zachariah Branch for two yards. Williams then tossed a deep incomplete pass. On third-and-eight, Williams passed to Duce Robinson, who dropped the ball after it hit his hands.
USC punted and Washington fair caught it at its 20.
Michael Penix Jr. counters by leading quick scoring drive
No. 20 USC 7, No. 5 Washington 7, 5:18 left in the first quarter
Washington didn’t return USC’s kickoff and starts on its 25-yard line.
Michael Penix Jr. passed for five yards and Dylan Johnson ran for 10 yards to the Washington 40.
On first down, Johnson ran up the middle for four yards. Penix then tossed a screen pass across the middle for Rome Odunze for 15 yards to the USC 41.
In a flash, Washington lined up and Penix passed to Josh Cuevas for 19 yards to the USC 22.
On first down, Will Nixon ran for seven yards. Penix waited in the pocket and felt no pressure with USC rushing three, then passed to Will Nixon for six yards to the USC 9.
On first down, Penis passed to Odunze for six yards. Johnson ran for one yard to the USC 2, bringing up third-and-goal.
Penix handed off to Johnson, who ran forward without any contact into the end zone. Washington hit the extra point to tie the game.
Caleb Williams leads strong opening touchdown drive
No. 20 USC 7, No. 5 Washington 0, 8:56 left in the first quarter
USC started on its 25-yard line after the opening kickoff was not returned.
Caleb Williams passed to Zachariah Branch for eight yards, then Austin Jones ran for one yard and for another three yards to the USC 37.
On first down, Williams passed to Tahj Washington, who evaded tackles and scrambled for nine yards. Williams then passed to Kyron Hudson for three yards, moving it to the USC 49.
On first down, Williams scrambled and passed to Hudson for seven yards. Williams shifted to the left side of the field with a pass to Lake McRee for six yards to the Washington 38.
Washington was called offside as Williams tossed an incomplete pass, bringing up first-and-five at the Washington 33.
USC was then called for holding on another incomplete pass play, making it first-and-15 on the Washington 43.
Jones ran for nine yards and five yards to bring up third-and-one. Williams faked a handoff to the right and ran left, stepping through one tackle attempt at his feet and spinning as he turned up field to avoid another tackle, gaining 10 yards on the play.
On first down at the Washington 19, the Huskies called timeout to regroup as the USC offense sizzled.
Williams faked another handoff and sprinted to the right to avoid a tackle for a loss and gain four yards.
On second-and-six, Williams lofted the ball to the left corner of the end zone to Brenden Rice. Washington was called for pass interference and the ball was moved to the Huskies’ two-yard line.
On first-and-goal, Williams turned to Raleek Brown for a delayed handoff and he rumbled to the left for a two-yard touchdown.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to give USC a 7-0 lead.
This is by far the strongest the USC offense has looked in weeks, with Williams in control moving the ball.
And we’re off ...
USC received the opening kickoff, which was not returned.
MarShawn Lloyd out against Washington
Running back MarShawn Lloyd is out for USC’s crtical homecoming game against No. 5 Washington. The transfer from South Carolina was walking on the field in his jersey and sweatpants as teammates warmed up with less than 40 minutes remaining before kickoff.
Lloyd currently leads the country in rushing yards per carry at 7.74. His absence opens the door for Austin Jones. Raleek Brown also warmed up with the running backs after the former Mater Dei star was not seen at games in recent weeks. Brown was expected to redshirt this season after falling out of the rotation, but raised eyebrows this week when he posted on Twitter “Show time #fighton” with a shushing emoji. Brown can appear in up to four games this season while retaining his redshirt eligibility. He has just one appearance this season.
Safety Max Williams participated in warm-ups, giving USC much-needed help at safety. He suffered a leg injury against Notre Dame, but his return helps offset a season-ending knee injury to Zion Branch.
Cornerback Jacobe Covington was not in pads and will miss his fourth consecutive game.
Lincoln Riley is on the verge of losing USC fans’ devotion by keeping Alex Grinch
On one extreme, there exists a USC football fan who was thrilled by the Trojans’ escape from Berkeley, how they made just enough plays in the fourth quarter to come back from a two-touchdown deficit and beat the California Golden Bears by a point.
This fan is the one Lincoln Riley has been directing his talking points to during the past four weeks. You know, how the coaches are putting the players in the right places (but they just have to execute better), how it’s just a handful of plays that led to the Trojans leaving Notre Dame Stadium down by four touchdowns. This fan nods along, choosing to believe the big picture for Riley’s program is as bright as ever. After all, there’s been enough entitled whining the last 15 years.
Alex Grinch’s disconcerting USC defense continues to fail. Can he pull it together?
Alex Grinch shook his head as Pac-12 Network cameras zoomed in on his disbelief. It had been a long afternoon already. USC‘s defense was backed up against its own goal line, in desperate need of a stand, when a yellow flag suddenly went flying. USC players claimed there was a false start, but the refs saw otherwise. A penalty was called on the Trojans.
“Disconcerting signals,” the ref declared. California scored on the next play.
It was an unusual call, but a painfully fitting descriptor. When it came to USC’s defense, the last month had offered up one deeply disconcerting signal after another. The bad tackling in Tempe. A fourth-quarter collapse in Colorado. A breakout for Utah’s backup passer. In Berkeley, it was Jadyn Ott, Cal’s star running back, bursting untouched through one big hole, then another, racking up rushing yards at will while USC seemed helpless to stop him.
‘She’s my superhero’: USC’s Calen Bullock honors late grandmother through his play
USC was letting star receivers run wide open. The Trojans were getting embarrassed by trick plays. They were being dragged all over their home field.
Down 17-0 against Arizona, Calen Bullock had seen enough.
“Lock! The! F—! In!” the junior safety shouted as he pulled the USC defense together on the sideline. His eyes were wide and fiery. His voice boomed. His teammates had never seen him like this.
“You could tell,” safety Jaylin Smith said, “that they were ready to run through a brick wall for him.”
Bullock had a reason to be fired up. Memories were swirling in his mind for days. The black ink on his white towel served as a silent tribute. When he flew across the end zone in the second overtime to break up a critical two-point conversion attempt, Annette McDaniels knew exactly the force behind the play.
“That’s your grandma,” McDaniels said, “watching out for you.”
USC’s defense continues to be plagued by explosive plays
USC’s defense gathered around its embattled coach last Saturday, already reeling from potential disaster. Alex Grinch had hammered home all season the importance of limiting big plays, and all season, it seemed to make little difference. USC was already giving up more plays of 20-plus yards than any other Power Five defense, and twice already in the first quarter, the Bears had broken off two big touchdown runs.
As he crouched on the sideline in Berkeley, Grinch slammed both hands to the turf. Both times Cal’s Jayden Ott sprung free — first, for a 43-yard touchdown, then for a 61-yarder — it was because a defender was out of position. A defensive lineman went the wrong way. A linebacker filled the wrong gap. A safety took off in the wrong direction.
It was tempting at the time for Grinch to wonder if Cal had surprised him with something his defense wasn’t prepared for. But the issues, upon film study, proved painfully familiar.
The frustration flowed in the moment. Grinch lit into his defense. By Tuesday, though, he’d put the blame squarely on his shoulders.
USC vs. Washington four things to watch: Trojans have ‘golden’ Pac-12 revival chance
Lincoln Riley is telling you there’s still a chance. Now USC just has to take it.
Already out of the College Football Playoff race, USC can still make a statement in the Pac-12 against first-place and undefeated Washington on Saturday. The No. 5 Huskies are the first of three consecutive ranked opponents remaining for the Trojans, and the difficult stretch that includes No. 6 Oregon in Eugene and at home against No. 19 UCLA will decide USC’s position in the wide-open conference standings.
An undefeated finish, while improbable considering USC’s recent struggles, will have the Trojans (7-2, 5-1 Pac-12) into the conference title game.
“You’ve got to bounce back and not miss these opportunities that are right here in front of our face,” Riley said, “and man, do we have a golden one right here.”