Several big plays by the USC Trojans have helped them strike first, taking a 7-0 lead over the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. A touchdown throw by running back Dillon Baxter, out of the wildcat formation, to tight end Rhett Ellison with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter opened the scoring tonight. The Trojans have had six plays of 10 yards or more on their first two drives.
UCLA went three-and-out on each of its first two drives, collecting two yards on the first drive and losing three yards on the second drive.
USC decided to test the UCLA secondary early, throwing six passes on its first drive, most of medium to deep length. However, Matt Barkley only completed two of the six passes, for 35 yards, on a drive which ended with a one-yard loss by running back Marc Tyler on 4th-and-1 from the UCLA 22-yard line. Barkley has seen limping quite noticeably during the first quarter, but was able to complete all three passes on the second drive.
Sadly, the main news before the game came off the field, from the parking lot, as two people were stabbed in a rather large brawl. Luckily, the two victims were taken to the hospital and listed in fair condition, per the Los Angeles Times. Hopefully, the actions of a few idiots won't detract from the game, as there is no place for that behavior.
For more local college football news, be sure to read the SB Nation blogs for both UCLA (Bruins Nation) and USC (Conquest Chronicles).