The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans overcame a slow start to secure a 42-28 victory against the Louisville Cardinals in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl at Petco Park. USC's offense initially went three-and-out, but quarterback Miller Moss connected with Makai Lemon for a 40-yard gain. Despite an unsuccessful field goal attempt, USC tied the game at 7-7 with a 17-yard touchdown by Tahj Washington. The first quarter ended with the score tied. USC's defense held strong on a 14-play Louisville drive, allowing only 51 yards. Washington scored again on a 29-yard catch, and by halftime, USC was ahead 28-14. Louisville's Evan Conley scored on a 9-yard run, but USC maintained the lead. Isaac Guerendo scored his third touchdown for Louisville, but USC's defense held on. Miller Moss threw for 372 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Tahj Washington ended his USC career with a 1000-yard season and two touchdowns in the game. Ja'Kobi Lane also contributed with 60 yards and 2 touchdowns, Duce Robinson added a 44-yard TD, and Jaylin Smith made a career-high 8 tackles in the USC victory.
Happy for Tahj Washington. He was a true freshman at Memphis' 2019 Cotton Bowl just soaking it in, watching his vets finish a historic Tigers season. Now he ends his career with a bowl win, 1000 yd season and a 2-TD performance for USC. Good luck in the NFL Draft, young fella.
FINAL: @USCFB 42, @LouisvilleFB 28. - Miller Moss was fabulous: 23 for 33, 372 yds, 6 TD, INT. - Tahj Washington: 7 catches, 99 yds, 2 TD. - Ja'Kobi Lane: 60 yds, 2 TD. - Duce Robinson: 44-yd TD - Kyron Hudson: punt block, TD catch. - Jaylin Smith: career-high 8 tackles. https://t.co/xL2a8DFV6v
Another long drive for Louisville ends in a TD, as Isaac Guerendo scores for the third time tonight. USC still holds a 35-28 lead, but have to wonder if its defense, which was already thin, might wear down here late.
USC has captured something tonight that it’s been missing literally all season. The Trojans take a 28-14 lead over Louisville into the half, and I’m as shocked as you are.
USC had stolen all the momentum. But Louisville responds with a 9-play, 73-yard touchdown drive. USC still leads, 21-14. Louisville is currently dominating time of possession (19:54 to 08:10).
USC 21, LOUISVILLE 14 (2Q, 1:56) Enter Evan Conley. He scores on a nine-yard run and the Cards have their first points since the opening series.
Kyron Hudson blocked a punt and then got a touchdown on the ensuing drive. USC quickly up 21-7 -- with one-way action ever since Louisville punted inside the opposing 40.
Kyron Hudson blocks a punt. Then, a few plays later, Hudson catches the TD from Miller Moss. Quite a stretch for him. USC now leads, 21-7.
USC 14, LOUISVILLE 7 (2Q, 8:07) The Trojans go ahead on a 29-yard TD grab from Tahj Washington, his second of the day.
Tajh Washington having a day. His second big catch for a touchdown and USC goes up 14-7. Some nice throws by Miller Moss on that drive.
USC’s defense withstands a 14-play drive from Louisville and only allows 51 yards. Impressive hold from a very thin group.
END 1: Louisville 7, USC 7 Maurice Turner converted on fourth down just as the quarter ended. He's had all but one of the touches so far on this drive.
USC thought it had the fourth-down stop there at the end of the first quarter. But Louisville converts. 7-7 tie at the end of one.
A nice catch and TD by Tahj Washington, who gets credit for actually playing in the Holiday Bowl
Tahj Washington, shake and bake! In his last game at USC, Washington hits the brakes to get past one Louisville defender, then jukes another on his way into the end zone. 17-yard TD for Tahj. USC ties it up, 7-7.
Nifty moves by Tahj Washington to score USC's first touchdown.
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’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.
#USC starts the Holiday Bowl with a three-and-out on offense and allowing a touchdown on defense.
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