Last week, the No. 20 USC Trojans made a miraculous late comeback in their season opener to beat Arizona State 28-27 in Los Angeles. And on Saturday, they needed a touchdown in the final two minutes — as a 15-point favorite — to hold off Arizona 34-30 in Tucson.
With 1:35 remaining, Arizona took a 30-27 lead (after the extra point) on a Grant Gunnell touchdown pass to Stanley Berryhill III.
Arizona takes a 30-27 lead over No. 20 USC in the final 2 minutes. pic.twitter.com/pPmJn7YUTr
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 15, 2020
On the ensuing drive, it appeared that Arizona may have a game-sealing interception. But a Kedon Slovis pass went through the hands of Arizona defensive back Christian Roland-Wallace, and into the hands of USC’s Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 19-yard reception to the eight-yard line.
— @davidblattman (@hxjakss) November 15, 2020
And on the next play, USC’s Vavae Malepeai ran for a hard-earned eight-yard go-ahead touchdown. It seemed hard to believe that it could be a legitimate touchdown upon first look, but replays showed that Malepeai rolled on top of Arizona defenders and wasn’t down until crossing the end zone for a touchdown.
Vavae Malepeai somehow found his way into the end zone for a go-ahead USC touchdown with 25 seconds remaining. pic.twitter.com/k3Y5lHraEx
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 15, 2020
Replays showed that Malepeai rolled on top of the Arizona players and was never down, confirming the USC touchdown. pic.twitter.com/nAFRcarB8s
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 15, 2020
USC could *easily* be 0-2, and it’s hard to be very impressed with them — aside from their resiliency — after the first two weeks. But 2-0 is 2-0, and ultimately that outweighs style points.
Now, to continue winning, Clay Helton’s squad will definitely need to play much better than they have so far. They’re scheduled to go into Salt Lake City next weekend and face a Utah team that still hasn’t played a game this season, due to COVID-19.
