Bear Alexander picks up costly targeting penalty late against Utah

The USC Trojans picked up one of the worst possible penalties at the worst possible time during their Saturday night matchup against rival Utah. With less than a minute to go in the game and leading by one, 32-31, Trojans star defensive lineman Bear Alexander was charged with roughing the passer. Upon further review, it was deemed that he led with his helmet, making contact helmet to helmet contact with Utah’s quarterback, drawing a targeting penalty, and was subsequently ejected from the game.

After review, USC is called for targeting. pic.twitter.com/2mhDipnQ1v

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 22, 2023

After being removed from play and sitting on the sideline, Alexander was visibly emotional about the ruling. A number of his Trojans teammates attempted to console him as USC will have to attempt to stop Utah’s game-winning drive without one of their most essential defensive players.

Bear Alexander is emotional after being called for targeting pic.twitter.com/erv9b0rWCk

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 22, 2023

With the targeting penalty happening late in the fourth quarter, Alexander will also be disqualified for the first half of USC’s matchup in week nine against the Cal Golden Bears.

The final drive was a nightmare for USC as Utah was able to drive the length of the field and tack on a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Trojans were stunned at home by the Utes falling to them for the third straight time under head coach Lincoln Riley, this time by a score of 34-32.

Utah was one of the worst offenses in the Pac-12 this season entering the game. They ranked dead last in the conference in yards per game and were second to last in points per game, only ahead of the 1-5 Arizona State Sun Devils. But they looked like anything but a struggling offense as they were able to put up 482 yards of total offense against the Trojans’ defense. Quarterback Bryson Barnes found a rhythm against USC’s defense, connecting on 14 of his 23 pass attempts for 235 yards, three passing touchdowns, and one interception. The former walk-on quarterback also had one touchdown on the ground while carrying the ball 10 times for 57 yards.

Although things look dire for USC, their season is still not over with. One of the Trojans’ two losses on the season came out of conference at the hands of Notre Dame. And with USC picking up just their first loss in the conference against Utah, they are still firmly in the conference title picture. It will take a lot from the Trojans, but if they can bounce back and find a rhythm down the stretch, USC could very well find themselves competing for a Pac-12 title at the end of the season.