NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans entered the DirectTV Holiday Bowl looking to end what has been a disappointing season on a high note. The Trojans ended the season season losing 3 straight and 5 of their last 6 games after starting the season 6-0. With quarterback Caleb Williams, WR Brenden Rice and RB MarShawn Lloyd opting out of the game, the Trojans were not expected to mount much of an offensive attack against a Louisville defense that allowed an averaged of 19 points per game. Miller Moss, making his first start at quarterback for the Trojans, threw a Holiday Bowl record 6 touchdown passes in leading USC to a 42-28 win against the Cardinals.
Moss showed poise as he commanded the Trojans offense, completing 23-33 passes for 372 with 1 interception to go along with the 6 touchdowns as the offense put up 443 total yards. After the game, Moss was quick to praise the senior leadership who opted to play in the game “From a leadership standpoint, we had a really strong senior group that wanted to come back and play this game and I think that was really led by them. They set the example and it was easy for me to then fall in line behind them.” Miller was able to spread the ball, completing passes to 9 different receivers. Redshirt senior Tahj Washington led the receding group with 7 receptions for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The play of the Trojans defense has been a disappointment during the season. With incoming defense coordinator D’Anton Lynn watching, the defense played a bend but don’t break game. The Cardinals rushed for 220 yards and 4 touchdowns, led by Isaac Guerendo’s 161 yards and 3 touchdowns. Louisville was not able to take advantage of the success their running game had against USC. Quarterback Jack Plummer completed 21-25 passes but was held to 141 yards and 0 touchdowns. Louisville was unable to get a quick strike score against the Trojans defense as they were forced to grind out drives. Every time Louisville closed the gap, Moss was able to answer and extend the lead for USC.
Entering the season, USC had aspirations of playing for a national championship with defending Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams leading the Trojans. With the collapse at the end of the season and the players opting not to play, the Trojans could have easily gone through the motions in their bowl game matchup with Louisville, but instead played inspired football. After the game, Trojans coach Lincoln Riley said “We could have come into this game not caring about it. Honestly, all the years and wins and stuff, this was as fun a win as I can remember as a head coach.” This was Riley’s finest coaching job in his 2 years at USC. As the offseason begins, USC will look to use this win as a springboard into 2024 as they begin their first season in the BIG10.
