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LOS ANGELES (AP) – JT Daniels went for 241 yards and three touchdowns, and Jay Tufele blocked Washington State's attempt to tie in at 1:41 of play in the 18th consecutive home win of Southern California, 39- 36 Friday night.
Vavae Malepeai grabbed his second touchdown with a time of 8:03 to help the Trojans (2-2, 1-1 Pac-12) stay undefeated at the Coliseum under Coach Clay Helton.
After two consecutive defeats on Stanford Road and Texas, the Trojans found themselves in straits in September. The USC was able to catch up 13 points in the second period and finally held the Cougars (3-1, 0-1).
"I've always thought that adversity somehow defines who you are," Helton said. "In this second half of two scores, a bunch of big kids has defined who they are as men, and I can not tell you how proud I am of them."
Discover the highlights of USC's exciting victory against Washington State! #Fight pic.twitter.com/weD5fLB0Dz
– USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 22, 2018
Gardner Minshew was 344 yards and three touchdowns in Washington's last strong quarterback performance, while James Williams and Max Borghi were quick to score points.
But a year after the Trojans' first defeat of last season in a Friday night game at Pullman, the USC showed strength and tenacity in the fourth quarter, while avoiding a catastrophic start to the season.
After the decisive 2-point conversion pass from Malepeai to TD and Daniels to Tyler Vaughns, Washington went into the field within minutes, but Tufele easily defeated Blake Mazza.
"It seemed like they had a pretty good push, and it seemed like we had hit low," said Washington State coach Mike Leach. "I thought we were playing pretty well. We played pretty hard at all levels. I think our effort is excellent. We must become a more coherent team. "
The Trojans' special teams have made a number of big mistakes this season, but the unit performed perfectly well at the highest point. Tufele, the first-year defensive lineman, made the big game.
"The kids knew exactly what to do," said Helton. "Our last team meeting, we showed it. We showed the gap that would be open. It was the absolute perfect call at the right time.
Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman caught Daniels' first pass before their first rookie caught up with teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown for a magnificent 30-yard pass at 14:31.
Easop Winston clinched his second TD pass from Minshew with a time of 10:15, but the Trojans responded with a 56-yard score.
"We left too many readers," said Minshew, who has spent 37 years for 52 years without interception. "It was all for me."
The USC did not have a hard time moving the ball in its first race, and amassed 80 yards on five games that culminated with the TD Malepeai race. The first period for the Trojans did not do much and Dezmon Patmon finally sent the Cougars to halftime at 24-17.
The Trojans rallied to win the victory against the Cougars tonight.#Fight | @Asiana Airlines pic.twitter.com/k4GCTs4l9u
– USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 22, 2018
Washington State then opened the second half with a 75-yard run by Borghi's 13-yard TD race, but the Trojans finally responded.
Pittman, whose outstanding catch just before half-time was judged just out of bounds, took a 50-yard home pass. USC's defense hardened and forced two pots before St. Brown's superb TD pick and extra point allowed the Trojans to go up 31-30.
But Winston immediately caught a 59-yard pass in the middle and followed with a 4-yard TD take. Washington's two-point conversion attempt failed and the USC piloted for the TD Malepeai Run and Vaughns' 2-point conversion catch, placing the Trojans at 39-36 with 8:03 to left.
COLORED CROW
The 52,421 weekday number was the smallest of USC's since 2001, but was still higher than expected for the school's first home game since 1999. Parking and skating are extremely limited. a complete renovation.
THE TAKEAWAY
Washington State: After opening the season with three wins over a modest non-conference opposition, the Cougars have reacted rather well to a strong increase in competition. The late game was not perfect, especially for the special teams, but this defeat is not a problem for the Cougs or Minshew, who once again looked excellent.
USC: The Trojans responded to a quality test with a series of great second-period games. Although they are still making far too many mistakes and committing too many penalties, they will grow because of that – and their freshman quarter gets better every week.
WATCH LIVE: Trojans talk to the media after their WSU win. #Fight https://t.co/GOuqaTSzV6
– USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 22, 2018
FOLLOWING
Washington State: Utah host next Saturday, September 29th.
USC: In Arizona next Saturday, September 29th.
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