Jon D. Gaede | I.E. Sports
The visiting Brigham Young Cougars, ranked 13th in the nation at game time, gave the Trojans all they could handle on their home field. USC’s hopes of a six-win season and a bowl bid were dashed with the team’s 35-31 loss.
The Trojans first play was hopeful, as sophomore Gary Bryant Jr. (Corona Centennial HS) ran back the opening kickoff 61 yards, but the drive came up short and USC settled for three.
Jaxon Dart was given his first official start as the USC quarterback. Dart was 23 of 35 in the debut for 248 yards with no interceptions.
Time of possession and total yards were essentially even for both squads. Both teams established competitive ground games with USC’s Vevae Malepei rushing for 99 yards and one touchdown, while BYU’s Tyler Allegeier rushed for 133 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns.
The Cougars extended their lead to 21-13 at the half, then went up 28-13 on a 41-yard pass from Jaren Hall to Keanu Hill. Dart found Bryant for a 10-yard score in the fourth to put the Trojans ahead at 31-28 in the fourth. The Cougars then drove down the field to go ahead for good, on a seven-yard run by Jackson McChesney.
The Trojans certainly had their chances as their last drive came up one yard short—one of several missed opportunities in the red zone.
USC plays one more game at Cal on Saturday.