Advertisement
USC Sports

Penalty problems cost the Trojans three touchdowns against Cal

California safety Stefan McClure tries to tackle USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor after he made a reception in the first half.
California safety Stefan McClure tries to tackle USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor after he made a reception in the first half.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
By Gary Klein
Staff Writer Follow

USC’s penalty problems resurfaced during the Trojans’ 38-30 victory over California.

The Trojans were flagged 14 times for a season-high 159 yards. It was the second time this season the Trojans were penalized 14 times.

“I’m going to refrain from getting a fine,” Sarkisian said after the game when asked about the penalties.

USC is averaging 9.2 penalties per game. Only three teams nationally have been penalized more.

Advertisement

Three infractions cost the Trojans touchdowns.

A 78-yard touchdown by receiver Nelson Agholor was called back because of a holding penalty.

Adoree’ Jackson lost a 42-yard touchdown pass because of a holding penalty.

And a short touchdown catch by Steven Mitchell was overturned because of an offensive pass interference penalty against another Trojan.

Cal was penalized 11 times for 117 yards.

More to Read

USC Sports
Gary Klein

Gary Klein covers the Los Angeles Rams for the Los Angeles Times. Before that, he covered USC’s football program and athletic department. He began working for The Times in the San Fernando Valley edition and has reported on high school, college and pro sports. He grew up in Southern California and graduated from Cal State Northridge.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Advertisement
Advertisement