Clay Helton's run to become USC's permanent head coach looked as if might come to an unceremonious end.
A Trojans team rejuvenated by two consecutive victories appeared sluggish on offense and porous on defense early Saturday night against Arizona.
Donors and alums at the Coliseum or watching at home might have been mentally preparing emails to Athletic Director Pat Haden calling for the usual assortment of coaching candidates.
But USC players, who have publicly supported their interim coach, kept alive his bid for the full-time gig.
Freshman tailback Ronald Jones II rushed for 177 yards and scored two touchdowns, Justin Davis rushed for two touchdowns and receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster shook off the effects of hand surgery to catch a touchdown pass as USC overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the Wildcats, 38-30.