In the 2023 Holiday Bowl at Petco Park in San Diego, the University of Southern California (USC) faced off against the 16th-ranked Louisville, with kickoff set for 5pm. USC's offense, featuring all freshman wide receivers, started with a three-and-out and missed a 39-yard field goal attempt, underscoring ongoing issues with special teams. Louisville's defense, which has stopped all 14 opponent opening drives this season, forced a fumble by Jack Plummer and continued their dominant performance. Isaac Guerendo's 1-yard touchdown run gave Louisville a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, with the Cardinals set to receive the ball again with 6:05 left in the quarter. USC's new defensive coordinator faced challenges as Louisville's offense, potentially able to run downhill at the defense all night, capitalized on USC's defensive weaknesses. Despite the difficulties, USC's Miller Moss connected with Makai Lemon for a 40-yard gain, but the Trojans still struggled to score.
Oooof. Jack Plummer fumbles and USC's offense is back on the field. It would appear he didn't see the defender coming.
Gotta think that the angle on that hold is a reason why Denis Lynch's field goal was off by so much. https://t.co/UPfbrkYqwM
USC drops a can of corn for what would have been a first down and then pushes their FG attempt foul to remain scoreless at Petco Park. Louisville has a 7-0 lead and going to get the ball for a 2nd time with 6:05 left in the 1st quarter at the DirecTV Holiday Bowl
#USC misses the field goal. Special teams have been a major issue for the Trojans all season.
Ooof. USC misses a 39-yard field goal.
USC with the knuckle curve that is high and outside on the FG.
Big grab by Lemon and #USC is in business. https://t.co/CrqrjO1uVG
#USC starts the second drive with all freshman wide receivers: Duce Robinson, Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobe Lane. And second-year freshman LB turned TE Carson Tabaracci.
USC’s offense finally breaks through for a big play as Miller Moss finds Makai Lemon streaking across the middle of the field for a 40-yard gain.
Somehow, Shotgun knows stuff like this. https://t.co/BN4OuhZOol
FSU did not allow #15 Louisville to score a TD all game. USC allowed one on their first drive. But yeah the ACC Championship proved FSU is real bad.
Former #Badgers TB Isaac Guerendo with a 2-yard TD run to help Louisville take a 7-0 lead over USC in the opening quarter of the Holiday Bowl. Guerendo six carries for 34 yards so far.
That was almost too easy for Louisville. Long game ahead, but the running game is on point early
#USC starts the Holiday Bowl with a three-and-out on offense and allowing a touchdown on defense.
Louisville marches down the field for a TD on its opening drive, led by running back Isaac Guerendo, who had 32 yards rushing. It might be a long night. Louisville 7, USC 0.
LOUISVILLE 7, USC 0 (1Q, 8:37) Isaac Guerendo opens the game with a 1-yard touchdown run and the Cardinals have the first lead.
LOUISVILLE 7, USC0 0 (1Q, 8:37) Isaac Guerendo opens the game with a 1-yard touchdown run and the Cardinals have the first lead.
USC has a new defensive coordinator, but so far the same defense. A 2 yard Touchdown run into left field gives Louisville the early 7-0 lead at Petco Park
I think Plummer had a big gain and Guerendo would have had one too if he’d given him the ball. USC’s defense is…rough.
Louisville may just be able to run down hill at the defense... all night long.
Louisville lost the toss -- still got what it wanted. Defense on the field first and they do what they do. Get the ball back on the opening drive. Cards have stopped all 14 opponent opening drives this season -- and 18 straight overall.
Three-and-out for Louisville's defense to start.
Louisville vs USC football live updates from 2023 Holiday Bowl at Petco Park in San Diego https://t.co/kTyb840IGP
We are live tonight at Petco Park in San Diego for the DirecTV Holiday Bowl featuring Louisville vs. USC. Kickoff is in 30 minutes https://t.co/pWilhfbPjy
Hello from San Diego. With so many players out for USC, who will step up in the Holiday Bowl? Kickoff against No. 16 Louisville is set for 5pm. https://t.co/v3yifm19bG
How about a little Holiday Bowl preview content with that egg nog? @ThePeristyle does a deep dive on how the #USC defense matches up against the Louisville offense: https://t.co/IcrNFaBgcL