It was not exactly a momentum-building performance, or the kind of effort that will stop administrators from searching for a permanent head coach.
But in a USC season of chaos and crazy twists, the Trojans and interim Coach Clay Helton emerged from Saturday's 48-28 loss to Oregon at Autzen Stadium still in position to win the Pac-12 South and possibly play for a conference title.
UCLA's victory over Utah sets up a rivalry game against the Bruins next week at the Coliseum that will determine the division champion.