Both redshirt senior quarterback Joel Stave and redshirt sophomore linebacker Jack Cichy were magnificent – Stave for four quarters and Cichy for two because he had to sit out the first half because he was ejected for targeting in the regular-season finale.
Stave, playing in his final college game, appeared sharp from the start. He suffered an apparent broken nose in the fourth quarter but returned after missing three plays and USC's offensive series.
Stave hit two huge throws, for 17 yards apiece to tight ends Austin Traylor and Troy Fumagalli, to set up Rafael Gaglianone's game-winning field goal from 29 yards.