The lowdown: The first half followed a similar script for the Trojans, as they jumped out to a 14-7 lead after the first quarter, only to squander several opportunities. Michael Pittman had the early highlight with a 72-yard fake-out punt return for a touchdown, but USC only gained seven offensive points despite four drives penetrating the Bruins’ 40-yard line in the first half.
The two most egregious stalls came at the end. Quarterback Sam Darnold was picked off, and then followed it up with an ill-advised half-ending scramble in the dying seconds despite not having any timeouts.