Stanford defeats USC, 41-22: Full highlights, final score and more

Stanford clinched a trip to the Rose Bowl and strengthened their case for a playoff spot by defeating USC.

Christian McCaffrey sent a message to the Heisman voters that he should be the winner on Saturday.

Whether it was running, catching or even passing, McCaffrey did it all to carry the Stanford Cardinal to a Pac-12 Championship over the USC Trojans. McCaffrey and the Cardinal got off to a hot start early as they went up 10-0 on their second offensive possession, pulling off an incredible trick play that saw McCaffrey doing the passing, as he found quarterback Kevin Hogan for a touchdown.

The Cardinal would then tack another field goal on to go up 13-0, and suddenly it looked like Stanford was going to run all over the Trojans and put this one away early. When Stanford got down the field and close to scoring again, they went for it on fourth down, only to get stuffed and give new life to the Trojans.

From there, the Trojans would find new life and start to take some momentum back. They would get three points before the end of the half, and would go into the tunnels at Levi’s Stadium down 13-3.

USC would get the second half started hot, when Kessler found Jahleel Pinner near the end zone for a short touchdown throw that would pull USC closer at 13-9 after they missed the extra point. USC then would jump right back on the Cardinal when Ronald Jones made an impressive 27-yard run to the end zone evading tacklers.

All of a sudden, USC was up 16-13 and the momentum shifted in Santa Clara. Showing no fear, Kevin Hogan found McCaffrey with a linebacker on him, and the running back would take it all the way down near the end zone. Hogan would score on a keeper and Stanford took back that momentum from the Trojans.

Then Cody Kessler would give up six of his own, as he was hit from behind Blake Martinez. Solomon Thomas would pick up the football and score on a scoop-and-score. USC would answer back with a touchdown and pull back within five, but Christian McCaffrey solidified his Heisman candidacy, when he took a Hogan pass 28 yards for a touchdown.

The Trojans would give one last effort on offense but turned the ball over on downs. To end the game, Stanford went back down the field, where McCaffrey capped his great night off with a rushing touchdown, as the Cardinal won the game, 41-22.

Highlights

https://twitter.com/Pac12Networks/status/673337760430845952

Three Stars

3. Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

Kevin Hogan played just like he needed to. He put the football in good spots and found Christian McCaffrey when he was open. He threw for a touchdown, caught a touchdown and ran for a touchdown. Much like McCaffrey, Hogan was doing it all.

2. Ronald Jones, RB, USC

Jones did everything he could in a losing effort for the Trojans. He and Justin Davis had a nice night on the ground for the Trojans. It’s a shame they weren’t given the ball more, because they were making things happen when they were given the ball. Jones had a big 27-yard touchdown run that gave the Trojans the lead momentarily.

1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

McCaffrey did everything that he could to sway Heisman voters on Saturday night. He threw for a touchdown, he caught a touchdown and rushed for 207 yards and a touchdown. He had over 100 receiving yards and over 100 return yards. The man had so many all-purpose yards that he was on a mission to show why he shold win the Heisman.

Odds

Stanford was favored by four coming into the game. With a 34-22 win, the Cardinal covered the spread.

Next Game

Both teams await their bowl fate on Sunday.