NFL
By: Brock Vierra
Kyle Ford is as Los Angeles as Los Angeles gets. Born in Corona, Ford played his high school ball in Southern California and has been a member of both the USC and UCLA programs. His road to the Las Vegas Bowl has been as unique as it has been tragic. A top recruit, Ford was expected to light up the scoreboards but his career has been filled with injuries, oftentimes stalling his progress.
So when Ford caught the game-winning touchdown against Texas A&M, capping off a massive comeback effort in the Las Vegas Bowl, it was the payoff to a career not marred by the things he couldn’t control but marked by his relentless response to those obstacles. As he now begins his journey to the NFL, he leaves Las Vegas and USC with not only his head held high but with the love and adulation of his teammates.
Ford wins the Las Vegas Bowl for USC
The Las Vegas Bowl was a snooze fest in the first half. A half-hour painted in turnovers and poor play, many expected the game to finish as a dud. That was until the Aggies and the Trojans decided to combine for 52 second-half points. While Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon were the focal points of the Trojan passing offense, Ford made his final statement when it counted. Down 31-28 with 1:49 left in the game, Ford caught three passes including the game-winner, taking advantage of the Aggies’ emphasis on stopping Lemon and Lane.
When I asked Ford if he knew the ball was coming his way, he stated there was no way it wasn’t. He explained that when he looked at Texas A&M’s defensive alignment compared to the play call, he would be the number one target. He was right and USC ends 2024 with a winning season.
For Ford, it’s more than that. It was an opportunity to play with his brothers one last time. He took a while to get to the press conference room and rightfully so as he was busy celebrating the win with his team. Soaking up all the emotions of Friday night, Ford exited Las Vegas and his collegiate career grateful for the opportunity to not only make the big play but simply to play the game he loves with the people he loves the most.
Watch our College Football Playoff recap show below.
