USC quarterback Sam Darnold is a top NFL prospect for good reason.
During the second quarter of Saturday’s game between the the No. 4 Trojans and the Texas Longhorns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Darnold stood on his own 44-yard line with just a few seconds left in the first half. Sent scrambling from the pocket, the Heisman hopeful unleashed a 56-yard touchdown pass to running back Ronald Jones II to give the Trojans a seven-point lead at halftime.
Watch the epic play in the video below:
USC 14, Texas 7.
What a way to end the half!#FightOn | #BeatTheLonghorns pic.twitter.com/8z4J4CG2Ix
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 17, 2017
One of the most remarkable aspects of this play was the fact that it came just moments after Darnold threw a pick-six, which allowed Texas to tie the game.
kevinmcguire: An immaculate interception for Texas, and a pick-six. Fox College Football: T… https://t.co/Aiok5TXb8x pic.twitter.com/VAp28GNtTB
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) September 17, 2017
What a series of events.
Sure, USC is relatively young and inexperienced, and it will be interesting to see how the Trojans mature as the season progresses. But with an offense this explosive, they can contend with any team in the country.
UPDATE (12:30 a.m. ET):Â Darnold’s highlight-reel play was a prelude to a wild finish.
After a late Texas touchdown, USC freshman kicker Chase McGrath drilled a field goal at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime. In the second OT period, the Trojans forced a huge fumble by Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger near the goal line.
USC's defense steps up yet again! It's USC's ball on the 25. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/UQW4T1RLuQ
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 17, 2017
That set McGrath up for the final heroics, as the young walk-on calmly drilled a 43-yard field goal to give USC a thrilling 27-24 win.
For. The. Win.
Chase McGrath nails the game-winner for the Trojans!#FightOn pic.twitter.com/RGUsJRZAfW
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 17, 2017
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images