UCLA running back Joshua Kelley sprinted across the blue-painted grass toward his teammates, waving his arms in celebration like a gleeful child.
It was only fitting that Kelley’s 55-yard touchdown run against USC brought innocent bliss as he chest-bumped his fellow Bruins in the air. The sight of the Rose Bowl filling up with fans before the rivalry game conjured memories from his youth; he has watched USC and UCLA battle since he was 8 years old.
“I’m gonna make sure I embrace every single moment,” Kelley said, “you know, make the best out of it.”
His best, a career-high 289 yards in 40 carries, set a record for the most rushing yards by a player in a USC-UCLA game — on either team.