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USC quarterback Jayden Maiava looks to pass under pressure from Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell during the first half of the Trojans’ 35-31 comeback win in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Friday. (David Becker / Getty Images)
It was less than four months ago, at the start of his third and most consequential season yet as USC’s coach, that Lincoln Riley walked off this same field at Allegiant Stadium, brimming with belief. His new quarterback had come through. His rebuilt defense had delivered. The statement he’d been searching for finally seemed to arrive in a season-opening win over Louisiana State.
“We know what we’ve been building,” Riley said that night. “I know we’re making progress.”
By late December, any signs of that progress had long since disappeared, and confidence in USC’s coach had faded along with it, lost along the way through a frustrating season that ended Friday night right back where it began.
But after a campaign filled with frustrating fourth-quarter collapses, the Trojans were able to return, however briefly, to the form they found back in September, coming from behind to beat Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl 35-31 to finish their season 7-6.
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The bookends bore some striking resemblance, down to the breathtaking finish, as USC once again fought through a fourth-quarter deficit to earn a statement-making win. Even if this statement didn’t ring quite the same as the one in September.
Once again it took timely stops by USC’s defense and heroic performances from its top receiver, as Ja’Kobi Lane reeled in 127 yards and three touchdowns, giving him a dozen on the year.
But this time the Trojans quarterback had to dig his way out of a deep hole first.
USC wide…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-makes-statement-thrilling-las-074008656.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-12-28 07:40:00
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