Column: USC rediscovers its best self while dazzling in final minutes against UCLA

USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson (17) celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao (88) on fourth down, sealing the Trojans’ win over the Bruins at the Rose Bowl Saturday in Pasadena. As the clock ticked down on a long cold Pasadena night, a small but sturdy cheer rose from the shivering Rose Bowl masses.

“We Are … SC!”

For the longest time in this 92nd meeting with UCLA, they weren’t.

The Trojans stumbled. They botched. They stunk.

USC defensive end Sam Greene (44) pressures and tackles UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) on fourth down, forcing Garbers to throw an incomplete pass. The play sealed the Trojans’ win Saturday night at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.…