The USC Trojans lead the Arizona Wildcats at halftime in Tuscon, going up 21-13 after ending the first quarter down 10-0. Marqise Lee has taken the Trojan offense on his back, gaining 256 yards with 12 catches, including one touchdown and another 38 yards on a punt return. Lee was all over USC's final drive before the half, setting up the a 2-yard touchdown run by D.J. Morgan.
Matt Barkley is 21-for-29 for 322 yards with two touchdowns, but his two interceptions have limited the Trojans at crucial moments and explains why they only lead by 8. USC has also struggled to get the running game going, with Silas Redd and Morgan combining for 62 yards on 11 caries. Xavier Grimble has the team's other touchdown reception, his one catch for 12 yards.
A 56 yard kickoff return following USC's third touchdown left the door open for Arizona to put more points on the board, and they were able to move the ball to the 15 with less than 20 seconds remaining. A shot at the endzone came up empty, and after a successful field goal was wiped out by a holding penalty, Arizona went to the locker room empty handed.
That penalty was just the latest of the afternoon. USC was flagged eight times for 79 yards in the first half, with Arizona outdoing them on 10 flags for 99 yards.
