USC survives shaky game against long-time rival

The USC Trojans escaped a rivalry game unscathed and were able pull out a victory versus UCLA on Saturday. Things could have gotten really bad for the Trojans and Lincoln Riley had this team not bounced back in the second half. There would have been no worse way to end the season than losing to this year's UCLA Bruins. The Trojans got a much better version of the Bruins after UCLA got blown out in three of its last four games. They managed to take it to the Trojans and throw the first punch, leading USC 10-7 at halftime.

First-quarter suspensions

The Trojans' offense came out with a rushing touchdown on the first drive and then followed that up with no other success in the first half. Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon were standing on the sideline for the first quarter due to team policy violations. It was evident this offense needed its two playmakers, even against a bad Bruins defense.

Poor first half

With extra intensity in this game due to this historic rivalry, this game was tougher than anticipated. Still, you would hope that with how good USC has been this year, this game would have been over at halftime, not the Trojans having to make second-half adjustments.

Makai Lemon finally arrives

Once the Trojans' playmakers got back into this game, the offense started getting its juice back, and it was the usual trio that stepped up to the plate. Makai Lemon only made one play this game, but it was a play of high importance. His 32-yard touchdown gave the Trojans the lead for the first time in this game. Lemon has consistently left his fingerprints on all of the Trojans' wins this season, and he ends the regular season with a great case for the Biletnikoff award. Lemon's running mate, Ja'Kobi Lane, also made many plays in this game, leading the Trojans in receiving yards with 52 yards.

Jayden Maiava eventually settled down

Jayden Maiava was not perfect this season, but he handled himself very well in his first season as a starter at USC after waiting his turn. Maiava had another solid performance, passing for 257 yards and 2 key touchdowns to secure another Trojan victory.

King Miller contributes

The big story for this offense this season continues to be King Miller consistently showing up. Miller had to be the offensive MVP for this game. Miller had 124 yards on 17 carries, and he managed to score the first and final touchdowns of the game.

Second-half defense

Another big story for the Trojans has been their second-half defense. It would be nice for this team to get ahead in games and then put teams away in the second half. Instead, the Trojans love to get behind and then really turn up the heat. The Trojans outscored UCLA 21-0 in the second half, and big props has to go to the defense for closing the door on yet another offense. The Bruins could not get much of anything going, and the Trojans were able to sack Nico Iamaleava 4 times in the second half.

USC struggled to play 60 complete minutes this year

Lincoln Riley and the Trojans have not played a complete football game all season, maybe other than their non-conference games to start the season. Special teams was also another factor that was poor all season, and even cost them many times in the games they did lose. The Trojans still finished the year 9-3, but with the schedule that will be in front of them in 2026, more talent could not even matter if Riley does not improve the necessary mistakes of this season's team.

Expectations have to be higher in 2026

9-3 is a season that many programs would look at as a huge success, and honestly, it should be looked at as a successful season for USC following last year's disappointing season. But with improvement, events, and more success come higher expectations for 20226. If the Trojans take a step back next season, Riley could finally face the long-time rumors of his seat being hot.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football wins again but needed help from a bad UCLA squad