Not to dwell on hypotheticals, but the game could very well be 21-3.

It has taken three UCLA goal-line stands to prevent USC from scoring, while UCLA hasn’t come closer than USC’s 21-yard line, which it only did as time expired in the first half.

1-for-6 on third and fourth down, the Bruin offense has yet to figure out the Trojans’ defense, as T.J. Harden has been the only bright spot. Redshirt senior quarterback Ethan Garbers had a mere five passing yards in the second quarter before amassing 54 on the final drive, which began with just 23 seconds on the clock.

UCLA’s defense allowed 239 yards in the first half, but it has executed bend-but-don’t-break to perfection, limiting scoring opportunities and not letting USC capitalize on its opportunities near the goal line. While the Bruin offense floundered in the second quarter, it was the defense that has kept the team in the game.