A 53-yard touchdown pass from Matt Barkley to Ronald Johnson gave the Trojans a 13-7 lead, that they carried into halftime over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. However, many mistakes, some old and some new, plagued the Trojans in the first half.
USC was penalized five times for 42 yards, actually less than their average so far this season yet still unacceptably high. Kicker Joe Houston missed a 48-yard field goal in the first quarter, and USC tried yet another two-point conversion (much like the Hawaii game), failing on a Mitch Mustain pass attempt.
In addition, Barkley threw his first interception of the season, after starting the season with eight touchdowns and no picks.
USC out-gained Minnesota in yards, 174 to 108, and have nine first downs compared to seven for the Golden Gophers. Both teams struggled mightily on third down conversions, as Minnesota was 1-for-6 and USC failed in all four attempts.
USC will receive the kickoff to begin the third quarter.