Derek Carr 23-yard TD strike (GIF)

Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Things have not been going as planned for No. 20 Fresno State (11-1, 7-1 Mountain West) so far in the Las Vegas Bowl against No. 25 USC (9-4, 6-3 Pac-12).

Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs trail the Trojans 35-13.

It was 35-6 until Derek Carr connected with Davante Adams on this 23-yard touchdown strike:

Carr TD Throw /

That play capped a 6-play, 37-yard drive and was much needed in a game that has been all USC so far.

Carr has gone 22-of-40 for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

USC quarterback Cody Kessler has had a spectacularly efficient day, going 16-of-21 for 258 yards and four TDs.

Kessler’s four TD strikes have gone to two receivers: Nelson Agholor and Marqise Lee, all in the first half.

Neither team has rushed the ball particularly well, with USC’s Javorius Allen leading the way with 14 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.

USC leads the overall yardage battle by a wide margin. With 8:19 left in the third quarter, the Trojans have outgained the Bulldogs 375-177. Fresno State has managed just 16 yards on the ground so far.

USC has since kicked a field goal to further their lead to 38-13 with six minutes left in the third.

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