Utah Upsets USC with Last-Second Field Goal, Crushing Trojans’ National Championship Hopes
LOS ANGELES — In a stunning turn of events, third-string quarterback Bryson Barnes led the Utah Utes to a thrilling 34-32 victory over the USC Trojans on Saturday night. Barnes’ 26-yard scramble in the final seconds set up a game-winning field goal by Cole Becker as time expired, ending USC’s dreams of a national championship.
The Trojans had made a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter, erasing an 11-point deficit. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams had scored a go-ahead touchdown with just 1:46 left on the clock. However, Barnes responded with a spectacular run, evading USC’s defense to put the Utes in perfect field position for the winning kick.
Utah celebrated their narrow escape with their traveling fans at the Coliseum, where Williams and USC head coach Lincoln Riley had never lost. “We really took over there for a while, and we got a little soft at the end,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “But you know, they’ve got a Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback, so they’re going to make some things, and that’s just the way it is. But we’ve got ourselves a pig farmer at quarterback, and we’re proud of that guy, too. What a warrior he is.”
Barnes, who gained fame for his upbringing raising pigs in southern Utah, had a career-high performance, passing for 235 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another score. He shrugged off a fourth-quarter interception returned for a touchdown and led the Utes’ offense to a season-high 482 yards. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson, who had 117 yards rushing, praised Barnes, saying, “Bryson is gonna be Bryson. He’s a competitor. He’s smart. We definitely believe in the guy.”
Sione Vaki, a two-way player for Utah, played a critical role in the victory. Vaki caught two touchdown passes and accounted for 217 total yards. His outstanding performance included a 53-yard touchdown reception on the Utes’ third play from scrimmage.
Despite USC’s efforts, quarterback Caleb Williams struggled, passing for 256 yards without throwing a touchdown. The Trojans suffered back-to-back losses to Notre Dame and Utah, effectively ending their chances at a national title.
The loss highlights issues on both sides of the ball for USC. The Trojans’ defense failed to stop Utah, even with a third-string quarterback leading the Utes’ offense. USC refused to make any players available to the media after the game.
With this victory, Utah remains in contention for a third straight Pac-12 title. Head coach Kyle Whittingham’s ability to consistently produce results with limited resources reflects the Utes’ tenacity and consistency over the past two decades.
Utah will next face Oregon on October 28, while USC will travel to California on the same day.
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