TROJANS SURVIVE CHALLENGE AT ARIZONA: USC 45, Arizona 37

The USC Trojans (6-1, 4-1) look to get back into the win column on Saturday afternoon against the Arizona Wildcats (3-4, 1-3). Follow along as we provide live updates of the scores and biggest plays throughout the game. Also, participate with WeAreSC members in the Game Thread discussion.

Pregame

It’s the last true road game for USC this season. They’ll stay in Los Angeles for the final four games of the season with three at the Coliseum and one at the Rose Bowl.

#USC has Arrived❕✌🏼

🎥 @On3USC #FightOn pic.twitter.com/sN700EL2DU

— Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) October 29, 2022

* Major injury news for the Trojans ahead of this one. Left guard Andrew Vorhees, wide receiver Jordan Addison, linebackers Eric Gentry and Ralen Goforth and rush end Korey Foreman are all here but not dressed for this one. Shane Lee and crew will have to raise their game at inside linebacker. Will be interesting to see who steps up for Addison at wide receiver and if Mario Williams takes an even more significant role.

* Mason Murphy is taking first-team snaps at right tackle during the team warmup period. Jonah Monheim shifts inside to right guard. Justin Dedich flips from right guard to left guard.

* Arizona wins the coin toss and elects to defer to the second half. Wildcats will kickoff to open the game.

First Quarter

* USC receives the opening kickoff and marches 47 yards in 10 plays. Caleb Williams is tackled for a loss on third down and the Trojans settle for a 45-yard field goal from Denis Lynch to cap the drive and open the scoring. It’s 3-0 USC with 10:56 remaining in the first quarter.

* Unbelievable grab from Arizona wide receiver Dorian Singer, who hauls in a one-handed touchdown catch. It’s 7-3 Arizona with 10:01 left in the first quarter.

* Caleb Williams hits Raleek Brown for a 6-yard touchdown on third down. It’s 10-7 USC with 2:57 remaining in the first quarter.

* Arizona uses a phenomenal grab by Tetairoa McMillan to get into field goal range and connects on a 42-yard attempt. It’s 10-10 with 49 seconds remaining in the first quarter and neither defense has a stop through four offensive possessions.

Second Quarter

* Brenden Rice hauls in the first touchdown reception of his USC career on a two-yard, play-action pass from Caleb Williams. It’s 17-10 USC with 12:33 left in the first half.

* Arizona connects on a 25-yard field goal to cut the USC lead to 17-13 with 6:59 left in the first half. Six possessions and six scores so far in this one.

* Just an indefensible finish to the first half from the officials. USC looked to be over the ball ready to snap it as the clock was stopped following a first down. But the clock began running before the ball was ever marked for play and the officials ended the half before USC could snap the ball.

#USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley was Rightfully Heated at the End of the 1st Half 🤬

Clock started running after 1st down before ball was set by refs

🎥 @On3USC pic.twitter.com/DbsMFbazIM

— Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) October 30, 2022

Third Quarter

* USC holds Arizona to a field goal after giving up a 73-yard pass on a massive busted coverage. It’s 17-16 USC with 12:07 left in the third quarter. USC about to get the ball for the first time in the second half.

* Back-to-back touchdown receptions by Tahj Washington. The first is a five-yard throw from Williams. On the second, Williams takes a late hit but delivers a long strike to a wide-open Williams, who shakes a defense and goes the rest of the 47 yards for a score. It’s 31-16 USC with 5:08 left in the third quarter.

* And now back-to-back touchdowns for Arizona. USC attempts an onside kick, which is recovered by the Wildcats, who go 60 yards in four plays for a score. Arizona then forces a punt and go 57 yards in just three plays. But the two-point attempt falls incomplete. It’s 31-29 USC with 1:42 left in the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter

* Williams fires his fifth touchdown pass of the game. This one goes five yards to Kyle Ford and gives USC a 38-29 lead with 13:38 left in the game.

* Travis Dye goes in for USC’s first rushing touchdown of the day. It’s 45-29. USC with 6:24 left in the game.

* Arizona wide receiver Dorian Singer scores on a 5-yard pass from Jayden de Laura with 1:26 remaining. Two-point attempt is good. USC 45, UA 37

* Arizona attempts an onside kick and Trojans recover.

* Trojans run out the clock, staying on the ground.

* Final score: USC 45, Arizona 37