PASADENA, Calif. -- A wild game in Southern California ended with the crowning of a Pac-12 South champion and clear power shift in Los Angeles. Here’s how it all went down at the Rose Bowl.
It was over when: Johnathan Franklin dashed for a 29-yard touchdown run with 4:02 left in the game -- extending UCLA’s lead to 38-28.
It was really over when: Sheldon Price blocked a 38-yard USC field goal attempt with 1:31 left in the game.
Game ball goes to: For as poised and impressive as redshirt freshman Brett Hundley was, it’s got to be Franklin, who blew up in a big way by rushing for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.
Unsung hero: UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks had a monster game, notching eight tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.
Stat of the game -- 14: The number of UCLA points off of turnovers.
What it means for UCLA: The Bruins claim the Pac-12 South. Depending on what happens in tonight’s Stanford-Oregon game, UCLA might control the outcome of who wins the North. If Stanford wins tonight, the Cardinal could wrap up the North next week when they travel to UCLA. It’s a bizarre scenario. Or, UCLA could get a crack at the Ducks if Oregon wins tonight. Either way, there are no asterisks this year for the Bruins.
What it means for USC: For starters, a lot of looking in the mirror. The turnovers were killers, and now they have to close out a disappointing year -- against an undefeated Notre Dame team -- knowing they have no shot at playing in a BCS bowl game. This was the cherry on USC’s bummer sundae.
