Holiday Bowl 2023

On December 27th, the USC Trojans and the Louisville Cardinals battled in the Holiday Bowl located in San Diego, California. With star quarterback and projected first round pick of the NFL draft, Caleb Williams opting out, questions were raised around if USC backup quarterback, Miller Moss could get the job done. However, Moss silenced the doubters by throwing 6 touchdowns and only one interception. Moss wasn’t the only star on USC offense as wide receiver Tahj Washington scored two touchdowns and snagged seven receptions for 99 yards. Washington finished the year with 1,062 yards, 59 receptions, eight touchdowns, and an average of 18 yards per catch. On the other side of the field, Louisville’s  offense was without two key players. Running back Jawhar Jordan and wide receiver Jamari Thrash opted out of the bowl game and declared for the NFL draft. Running Back Isaac Guerndo has an impressive night scoring three touchdowns and running the ball for 161 yards. Quarterback Jack Plummer threw for 141 yards and 0 touchdowns with a dislocated pinky. Backup Quarterback Evan Conley was able to put Louisville within one touchdown when he made a 9 yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.  To start the third quarter, the Trojans led 28-14 when Moss threw an interception right into the hands of defensive back Quincy Riley at the goal line who returned it 61 yards. Louisville was able to take advantage of the turnover and score, leaving the Cardinals trailing by a touchdown. However, it wasn’t enough to put the Cards on top as the USC defense came to play, sacking Plummer three times and taking advantage of two fumbles. The USC Trojans won the game 42-28 and celebrated the win by pouring eggnog on Coach Lincoln Riley’s head. The Trojans finished 8-5 and the Cardinals finished 10-4.

By: Elizabeth Scanland