USC started the first half with the ball and immediately showed the power of their offense. Sam Darnold completed three passes on the six play drive, which was capped off by a 16-yard touchdown run by Ronald Jones II, giving USC an early 7-0 lead.
After Western followed up with a three and out, USC had the momentum and a chance to pull away, but the Broncos’ defense forced USC to go three and out, starting the ensuing drive on their own 41-yard line.
Western’s offense finally started having success against the Trojans’ defense, going down the field on eight plays, capping the drive with a four-yard touchdown run by Jamauri Bogan, tying the game 7-7.