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USC’s Moss throws Holiday Bowl-record 6 TD passes in 42-28 victory over Louisville

The Southern California Trojans bid farewell to the Pac-12 Conference with a six-pack to go and an eggnog bath to toast an otherwise unremarkable season. With Caleb Williams watching from the sideline, Miller Moss threw a Holiday Bowl-record six touchdown passes in his first college start and USC ended a frustrating season by beating No. 16 Louisville 42-28 Wednesday night. Afterward, coach Lincoln Riley had a tub of eggnog poured over his head.

Quick Read

  • Holiday Bowl Victory for USC: USC concluded their Pac-12 tenure with a 42-28 win over No. 16 Louisville in the Holiday Bowl, led by Miller Moss’ record six touchdown passes in his first college start.
  • Caleb Williams’ Absence: Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, who opted out of the game, supported from the sidelines as Moss led the team.
  • Key Players: Moss threw for 372 yards and set a Holiday Bowl record with his performance. Tahj Washington, with two touchdown receptions, and Kyron Hudson, who blocked a punt and scored a touchdown, were notable contributors.
  • Potential Future Starter: Moss’s performance sparked discussions about his role as a potential starting quarterback for USC’s future.
  • Louisville’s Effort: Despite the loss, Isaac Guerendo’s 161 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with Jack Plummer’s 141 passing yards, highlighted Louisville’s performance.
  • Milestone for Washington: Tahj Washington achieved his first 1,000-yard receiving season.
  • USC’s Transition: This game marked USC’s final appearance in the Pac-12 as they prepare to join the Big Ten next season.
  • Coach Riley’s Remarks: USC Coach Lincoln Riley praised the team’s effort and commitment despite the challenging season and numerous changes.
  • Key Moments: USC’s defense and special teams played crucial roles, including a strip-sack and blocked punt that led to scoring opportunities.
  • Game Summary: The game featured a blend of offensive prowess by USC and resilient efforts by Louisville, with USC ultimately securing a commanding win.

The Associated Press has the story:

USC’s Moss throws Holiday Bowl-record 6 TD passes in 42-28 victory over Louisville

Newslooks- SAN DIEGO (AP)

The Southern California Trojans bid farewell to the Pac-12 Conference with a six-pack to go and an eggnog bath to toast an otherwise unremarkable season.

With Caleb Williams watching from the sideline, Miller Moss threw a Holiday Bowl-record six touchdown passes in his first college start and USC ended a frustrating season by beating No. 16 Louisville 42-28 Wednesday night. Afterward, coach Lincoln Riley had a tub of eggnog poured over his head.

Southern California wide receiver Tahj Washington (16) celebrates a touchdown next to running back MarShawn Lloyd (0) and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (70) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Louisville Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner who opted out of the game, watched from the sideline with his No. 13 jersey hanging around his neck. He ran onto the field and jumped on Moss in celebration after the redshirt sophomore twice took a knee in victory formation at Petco Park.

While Williams and several other Trojans sat out, others, like redshirt senior receiver Tahj Washington, who caught two touchdown passes, showed up to play.

Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell (0) can’t make a catch as Southern California cornerback Jacobe Covington (14) defends during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

“From a leadership standpoint, we had a really strong senior group that wanted to come back and play this game and I think that was really led by them,” Moss said. “They set the example and it was easy for me to then fall in line behind them.”

Asked if Moss secured the starting job for next year, receiver Kyron Hudson, who blocked a punt and then caught a touchdown pass shortly after, said: “What Miller did out there, it’s something that’s going to help us in the future, so personally, yes he did. I’m super excited for Miller. He waited his time and he’s ready for it. He’s the guy we need.”

Southern California quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass under pressure from Louisville defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte (9) during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Moss took full advantage of the opportunity he was given when Williams, the presumptive first overall pick in the NFL draft, opted out.

Moss was 23 of 33 for 372 yards, with one interception. He broke the Holiday Bowl record of four touchdown passes held by four players, including Jim McMahon in BYU’s miracle 46-45 comeback win against SMU in 1980. The record came late in the third quarter when Moss lobbed a 12-yard pass to a leaping Ja’Kobi Lane in the back of the end zone. Lane’s second TD catch of the night gave USC a 35-21 lead.

Southern California players celebrate the team’s 42-28 win over Louisville in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Moss added on with a beautiful 44-yard strike to Duce Robinson for a 42-28 lead with 10 minutes to go.

The six TD passes were also the most by a quarterback in his first start for USC (8-5), which lost three straight games and five of six coming in after opening the year with national championship aspirations. They also were a Trojans bowl record and tied the Pac-12 bowl record.

Southern California players pour eggnog onto coach Lincoln Riley after the team’s 42-28 win over Louisville in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

The Trojans played their final Pac-12 football game. They are joining the Big Ten next season, along with fellow Pac-12 defectors UCLA, Oregon and Washington.

“We could have come into this game not caring about it,” Riley said. “Honestly, all the years and wins and stuff, this was as fun a win as I can remember as a head coach. Just with all the changes, all the back and forth, six weeks, 20-plus guys that didn’t play in this game for different reasons. … That’s a good football team that we just beat up on.”

Southern California wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (89) makes a touchdown catch in front of Louisville defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and defensive back Devin Neal (27) during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Isaac Guerendo ran 23 times for 161 yards and three touchdowns for Louisville (10-4). Jack Plummer threw for 141 yards with no touchdowns. Plummer dislocated his right pinky early in the second quarter and had it popped back in. He said it didn’t affect his throwing.

Moss also threw scoring passes of 17 and 29 yards to Tahj Washington, who completed his first 1,000-yard receiving season. Hudson caught a 9-yard touchdown pass two plays after blocking Brady Hodges’ punt, which went out of bounds at the Cardinals’ 18.

Southern California running back Austin Jones hoists the trophy after the team’s win over Louisville in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

“They had a couple match-ups of fast players on our safeties, and it just wasn’t one of our better days,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said. “A lot of those guys have played well all year long; today wasn’t their best day.”

Leading 28-14, the Trojans were driving early in the third quarter when Moss was intercepted at the goal line by Quincy Riley, who returned it 61 yards to the USC 39. Five plays later, Isaac Guerendo scored on a 1-yard run to pull the Cardinals within a touchdown.

Southern California players hold the trophy after a win over Louisville in the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Guerendo scored on a 2-yard run on Louisville’s first possession of the game.

After Denis Lynch was wide right on a 38-yard field goal try, the Trojans got the ball right back when Max Williams strip-sacked Plummer, with Solomon Byrd recovering at the Louisville 19. Moss threw a short pass to Washington, who deked two defenders before diving into the end zone to tie the game.

Southern California wide receiver Tahj Washington (16) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Kade Eldridge (88) during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Louisville Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

USC jumped to a 21-7 lead on Moss’ second scoring pass to Washington and then Hudson’s score. Evan Conley scored on a 9-yard run for Louisville before USC went 75 yards in five plays just before halftime, with Moss dodging a defender, rolling right and chucking up a 31-yarder to Lane for a 28-14 lead.

Southern California coach Lincoln Riley yells from the sideline during the second half of the team’s Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Louisville on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

FACTS & FIGURES

Louisville: Plummer, a graduate senior, made his 39th career start. He also played at Cal and Purdue.

Southern California: Moss had played in just 11 games in three seasons, going 43 of 59 for 542 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions.

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