Texas struggled to score points on offense, but the defense delivered a pick-six on USC’s Sam Darnold, as the first half neared its end. Darnold then gave one right back.
On Saturday night, Texas and USC had their highly anticipated meeting, with the last one taking place at the 2006 National Championship Game. A Vince Young-led Texas team defeated the Matt Leinart-Reggie Bush duo and immortalized this team in one of the greatest games in college football history.
Well, if you searched for that offense in 2017’s game, you would come up unsuccessful. The game remained scoreless for most of the first half, until USC quarterback Sam Darnold slung a touchdown pass to go up, 7-0.
After a failed Texas offensive possession, USC took over, with not much time remaining. However, it was enough for Longhorn defensive back DeShon Elliott to pick off Darnold and take the ball to the end zone for a 38-yard touchdown. This tied the game at seven and brought it to halftime.
PICK SIX ALERT!! #Texas ties the game! #TEXvsUSC pic.twitter.com/bzdlbPp29d
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 17, 2017
This tie game didn’t last long, though, as the Trojans took over and hit a second quarter-ending touchdown pass. It went for 54 yards to Ronald Jones II, who managed to get around the Texas defense and receive some quality blocks, before reaching the end zone. This brought the game to 14-7, USC, and showed why the home team’s offense can be lethal.
USC 14, Texas 7.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 17, 2017
What a way to end the half!#FightOn | #BeatTheLonghorns pic.twitter.com/8z4J4CG2Ix
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If Darnold continues this momentum into the second half, it will be difficult for Texas to keep up. Freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger struggled through the first 30 minutes, completing just five of 10 passes. He committed two turnovers, as well, one fumble and one interception. This is while the usual starter, Shane Buechele, is out with an injury.
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It’s still a game, but the Texas offense will have to find its stride, before it’s too late. Another Darnold touchdown might close this game in Southern California.