USC vs. UCLA 2024: The Battle for Los Angeles

Photo by Chris Harris

The Battle for Los Angeles

The stage was set on a crisp November evening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for one of college football’s most storied rivalries: USC vs. UCLA. With both teams vying for dominance in the Pac-12 and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, the 2024 clash proved to be another thrilling chapter in the battle for city supremacy.

A Rivalry Renewed

Heading into the game, USC boasted a 9-1 record, with their lone loss coming in a heartbreaker against Oregon. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans showcased a high-octane offense led by sophomore quarterback Jaden Daniels, who entered the game as a Heisman front-runner. Meanwhile, UCLA, coached by Chip Kelly, came in with an 8-2 record and a balanced attack fueled by dual-threat quarterback Mason Carter and a stingy defense ranked top-15 nationally.

The stakes were immense: bragging rights, a potential Pac-12 Championship berth, and a chance to solidify postseason aspirations.

First Half: Defensive Grit

The game began with both teams trading defensive stops, a surprising shift from their typical offensive fireworks. UCLA’s defense, anchored by linebacker Jalen Parks, stymied the Trojans’ vaunted passing attack, forcing two early punts. On the other side, USC’s defensive line, led by edge rusher Zion Thompson, pressured Carter relentlessly, limiting UCLA’s ground game.

The first breakthrough came late in the first quarter when Daniels orchestrated a 75-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Caleb Wright. UCLA responded in the second quarter with a field goal, but a costly fumble on their next possession allowed USC to capitalize with a short rushing touchdown by running back DeShawn Taylor.

At halftime, USC led 14-3, with their defense controlling the tempo and keeping the Bruins’ offense in check.

Second Half: Fireworks Ignite

The third quarter saw UCLA’s offense come alive. Carter connected with wide receiver Malik Anderson for a 45-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10. The Bruins’ momentum continued as their defense intercepted Daniels on the next drive, setting up another field goal to make it 14-13.

USC responded with a masterful drive. Daniels scrambled for a crucial 15-yard gain on third-and-long before hitting tight end Jordan Banks in the end zone for a 12-yard score, extending the lead to 21-13.

The fourth quarter turned into a shootout. UCLA stormed back with a 10-play, 80-yard drive, punctuated by a 5-yard touchdown run by Carter. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 21-21. With under five minutes remaining, USC kicker Alex Moreno nailed a 45-yard field goal to regain the lead, 24-21.

The Final Drive

With two minutes left, UCLA had one last chance. Starting from their own 25-yard line, Carter showcased his poise, completing four consecutive passes to bring the Bruins to USC’s 30-yard line. However, the Trojans’ defense stiffened, forcing a critical fourth-and-8. Under heavy pressure, Carter’s final pass sailed just out of reach, sealing the victory for USC.

Postgame Reactions

The Trojans celebrated their hard-fought 24-21 win, with Coach Riley praising his team’s resilience. “This is what rivalry games are all about,” Riley said. “Our guys showed tremendous heart when it mattered most.”

For UCLA, the loss was a bitter pill but not without silver linings. “We fought hard,” said Coach Kelly. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

Impact on the Season

The victory solidified USC’s spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game and kept their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, UCLA, despite the loss, remained in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl with one game left in the regular season.

As the rivalry moves into a new era with both teams set to join the Big Ten in 2025, the 2024 edition reminded fans why USC vs. UCLA remains one of college football’s most iconic matchups.

Photo by Chris Harris