LOS ANGELES (AP) Cody Kessler blinked back tears after he ascended the stepladder and raised his sword to lead the Southern California band in his final act on the Coliseum turf.
Although the Trojans never imagined the path to the Pac-12 title game would include so many detours and setbacks, they're still grateful for the journey.
Particularly because the path led straight through UCLA.
Kessler threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score, and USC clinched the Pac-12 South title with a 40-21 victory over No. 22 UCLA on Saturday in the 85th edition of their crosstown showdown.