D’Anton Lynn leads USC’s defense over UCLA, his former team in a rivalry win

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Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans is tackled for a loss of yards by linebacker Carson Schwesinger #49 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins runs for a first down past defensive tackle Elijah Hughes #56 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala #2 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for first down against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Running back T.J. Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins runs for yardage against defensive end Sam Greene #44 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Running back T.J. Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins is tackled for a loss of yards against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins passes against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

UCLA Bruins fans cheer after a field goal against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Head coach DeShaun Foster of the UCLA Bruins reaches towards officials in the first half of a NCAA Football game against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Makai Lemon #6 of the USC Trojans catch a pass for first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans catches a pass for first down against defensive back K.J. Wallace #7 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins scrambles against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Tight end Walker Lyons #85 of the USC Trojans can’t reach a pass over defensive back Kaylin Moore #9 of the UCLA Bruins in the end zone in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans celebrates after the USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 19-13 to win a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans hugs defensive lineman A.J. Fuimaono #55 of the UCLA Bruins after the USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 19-13 to win a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans is all smiles with his family after the USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 19-13 to win a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

USC Trojans celebrate after defeating the UCLA Bruins 19-13 to win a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Miller Moss #7 of the USC Trojans consoles Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins after the USC Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 19-13 to win a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles for yardage against defensive back K.J. Wallace #7 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Defensive back Kaylin Moore #9 of the UCLA Bruins breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Zachariah Branch #1 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

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Place kicker Michael Lantz #96 of the USC Trojans kicks a field goal against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane #8 of the USC Trojans reaches for a pass against defensive back Devin Kirkwood #3 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins passes against linebacker Desman Stephens II #23 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala #2 of the UCLA Bruins catches a pass for yardage against linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold #4 of the USC Trojans and safety Anthony Beavers Jr. #15 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Duce Robinson #2 of the USC Trojans catches a pass for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Kyron Hudson #10 of the USC Trojans drops a pass in the end zone over defensive back Kaylin Moore #9 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans runs for yardage as linebacker Carson Schwesinger #49 of the UCLA Bruins makes the tackle in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans reacts after a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins prepares to pass against linebacker Desman Stephens II #23 of the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pose with the UCLA Bruins cheerleaders in the first half of a NCAA Football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Running back T.J. Harden #25 of the UCLA Bruins is tackled by defensive end Kameryn Fountain #49 of the USC Trojans for a loss of yards in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Zachariah Branch #1 of the USC Trojans catches a pass for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins passes against there USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans watches a pass for first down against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Running back Woody Marks #4 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against linebacker Jalen Woods #17 of the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Place kicker Mateen Bhaghani #94 of the UCLA Bruinsi kicks a field goal against the USC Trojans in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins after a incomplete pass against the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

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A UCLA Bruins fan looks on in the second half of a NCAA Football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans with Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans against the UCLA Bruins in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Head coach DeShaun Foster of the UCLA Bruins reacts after a turnover against the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane #8 of the USC Trojans drops a pass in the end zone against defensive back Jaylin Davies #6 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins scrambles against the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Tight end Moliki Matavao #88 of the UCLA Bruins dives for he touchdown against safety Bryson Shaw #27 of the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Tight end Moliki Matavao #88 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates with head coach DeShaun Foster of the UCLA Bruins after a touchdown against the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver J.Michael Sturdivant #7 of the UCLA Bruins catches pass for first down against the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer #3 of the UCLA Bruins drops a pass against cornerback Jacobe Covington #14 of the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Defensive back K.J. Wallace #7 of the UCLA Bruins knocks away a pass intended for wide receiver Makai Lemon #6 of the USC Trojans in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Defensive tackle Elijah Hughes #56 of the USC Trojans sacks Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the UCLA Bruins in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Quarterback Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins is stopped on 4th and 1 by the USC Trojans defense in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

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Wide receiver Kyron Hudson #10 of the USC Trojans catches a pass for first down against the UCLA Bruins in the second half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

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LOS ANGELES — Her brother’s best and worst qualities, Danielle Lynn says, are the same. D’Anton Lynn is incredibly, intensely, competitive. He’s also incredibly, beautifully, competitive.

He draws little attention to himself, publicly, at 35 years old now, on a headset for USC. His return to the Rose Bowl, on Saturday, was one of little personal fanfare. It was simply “ball,” at the end of the day, as he put it this week. But this was the same kid, once, who’d beg best-of-three and best-of-five of his family if they beat him in childhood games. This was the same kid, once, who froze out best friend and high school teammate Breck Holman on the bus on the way to a state championship game because he’d beat him in a Madden game two days before.

And the same man who took this cross-town job when Lincoln Riley came calling in the offseason, the shift that altered trajectories of not one but two programs in Los Angeles, pumped his fist and roared as his unit shut the door on UCLA in a 19-13 win Saturday night.

As USC’s offense had faltered, for much of a chilly night at the Rose Bowl, it was Lynn’s unit who picked up the slack. First came a fourth-and-one stop with five minutes left, the kind of fourth-and-one stop that USC had been missing all season, stuffing an Ethan Garbers keeper into the turf. Second, came a last-gasp heave from Garbers on a fourth down, the Bruins trailing by six with one last play and two minutes left, only for his pass to skip across the turf as Lynn smacked safety Akili Arnold’s chest in glee.

Expectations for USC had deflated, immensely, since a July in which head coach Riley strode to a podium in Indianapolis and declared USC’s intent to compete for Big Ten championships. Their season had slipped, behind a bevy of fourth-quarter collapses. All that was left, as Riley preached, was a three-game season at the end of USC’s slate: Nebraska, UCLA, Notre Dame.

And these Trojans (6-5, 4-5 Big Ten) clinched bowl eligibility Saturday, a still-meaningful consolation prize, as the Bruins (4-6, 3-6 Big Ten) fell short themselves of a bowl game in head coach DeShaun Foster’s first year. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava finished 19-of-35 for 221 yards and a touchdown in an uneven performance, while Bruins veteran Ethan Garbers played his heart out, going 20-of-29 for 265 yards and a score.

Neither program scored a first-half touchdown, as a 9-3 halftime USC advantage carried a stink of disappointment. UCLA couldn’t finish a drive, coming away with a simple first-drive field goal, wasting a pair of 40-yard and 26-yard explosive runs by back T.J. Harden. USC couldn’t finish a drive as Lincoln Riley broke out some baffling red-zone play-calling: three first-and-goal situations ended without a trip to the end zone, with star senior back Woody Marks receiving exactly one handoff in such series and Riley dialing up goal-line fade after goal-line fade that fell incomplete.

UCLA’s Garbers made a handful of admirable play-action throws. USC’s Maiava threw for 164 first-half yards and darted around pockets like a bug trapped under a glass cup. But both were held in check, in enemy territory, by defensive coordinators D’Anton Lynn and Ikaika Malloe, and the rivalry had become a snoozefest.

And then, red-and-blue tensions coming to a head, excitement burst post-first-half buzzer.

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As teams slowly made their way to locker rooms, USC linebacker Anthony Beavers Jr. started jawing at a handful of UCLA players. Other Trojans joined in. Staffers, desperately attempting to avoid an all-out skirmish, slowly diverted USC’s players into the visiting tunnel as a growing gaggle of Bruins assembled and waved their hands to the home Rose Bowl crowd – only to be slapped with three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

Somehow, USC came up empty-handed on their first drive of the second half after starting with the ball at their 48-yard-line with those whistles tacked on. And the Bruins came out with sudden life, as Garbers uncorked a 25-yard deep shot to J. Michael Sturdivant on the Bruins’ first drive of the second half and later dumped in a 10-yard screen to tight end Moliki Matavao for the game’s first touchdown.

Lynn’s defense, though, kept UCLA at just a 13-9 advantage as the fourth quarter marched on. And finally, Riley mustered some offensive juice, drawing up a 36-yard bomb from receiver Makai Lemon to Kyron Hudson off a lateral, Maiava maneuvering his way again and finding Ja’Kobi Lane for the go-ahead score that UCLA couldn’t match.

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