The energy in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was thick, heavy, and honestly a bit weird on November 29, 2025. This wasn't just another game. It was the "Battle of LA," the fight for the Victory Bell, and for a lot of people, the ultimate litmus test for Lincoln Riley’s program. If you missed the headlines or just woke up from a long nap, here is the short answer: The No. 17 USC Trojans won the UCLA USC game with a final score of 29-10.
But the score doesn't tell the whole story. Not even close.
For two and a half quarters, it looked like the UCLA Bruins were going to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the rivalry’s recent history. They were scrappy. They were physical. They had a 10-7 lead at halftime that felt much larger because of how disjointed the Trojans looked. Yet, by the time the clock hit zero, the Bruins were left wondering what happened, and USC fans were breathing a massive sigh of relief as they watched the Victory Bell stay painted red for another year.
The Tale of Two Halves: How USC Flipped the Script
Football is a game of momentum, and on that Saturday, the momentum didn't just shift; it did a complete 180-degree turn.
UCLA came out with a defensive game plan that essentially dared USC to beat them on the ground. It worked. The Bruins held the Trojans to a measly seven points in the first half. USC's kicker, Ryon Sayeri, had a nightmare start, with one field goal blocked by UCLA’s Scott Taylor and another one missed entirely. It was ugly. Honestly, the Coliseum was getting restless. You could hear the boos starting to percolate.
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UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava was sharp early. He led a 13-play, 79-yard drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass to Kwazi Gilmer. When Mateen Bhaghani nailed a 38-yard field goal with 18 seconds left in the second quarter, UCLA headed into the locker room with all the confidence in the world.
Then the third quarter started.
The Makai Lemon Spark
Sometimes one play changes everything. For USC, that play came with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Jayden Maiava, who had been struggling to find his rhythm, connected with Makai Lemon for a 32-yard touchdown. Lemon hadn't even been targeted in the first half—he’d actually been benched for a portion of the first quarter—but that catch ignited the sideline.
Suddenly, the Trojan defense started playing like they were shot out of a cannon. They pitched a literal shutout in the second half. Zero points. UCLA’s offense, which looked so fluid in the first thirty minutes, suddenly couldn't get past midfield.
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King Miller: The Walk-On Who Became a Legend
If you're looking for the MVP of the 2025 UCLA USC game, it’s King Miller.
The redshirt-freshman walk-on has been the feel-good story of the season, but this game cemented his place in Trojan lore. He finished with 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His 41-yard dash in the fourth quarter was the dagger. It was the longest rushing touchdown UCLA had allowed all season, and it basically sent the Bruin fans heading for the exits early.
- King Miller’s Stat Line: 166 all-purpose yards, 2 rushing TDs.
- The Milestone: He became the first USC freshman with over 100 all-purpose yards against UCLA since Drake London in 2019.
- The Impact: His performance allowed USC to control the clock, holding the ball for over 33 minutes and wearing down a tired UCLA defense.
Why This Win Matters for Lincoln Riley
Let's be real: people have been coming for Lincoln Riley’s head for a while. The move to the Big Ten was supposed to be a wake-up call, and it was. But finishing the regular season 9-3 (7-2 in Big Ten play) and going undefeated at home? That’s progress.
Riley called this the "most important team" he’s coached at USC. Not because they were the most talented—they probably aren't—but because they showed a grit that’s been missing. They won tough. They won ugly. They found a way to win when their stars were having an off night.
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On the other side, UCLA finishes a disappointing season at 3-9. It was the end of the road for interim coach Tim Skipper, and it ushered in the Bob Chesney era just a few days later. The Bruins were "scrappy," sure, but scrappy doesn't win the Victory Bell.
Key Takeaways and Final Stats
If you're arguing with a UCLA fan at a bar, here are the numbers you need to know to win the debate:
- Second Half Shutout: USC outscored UCLA 22-0 after halftime.
- Defensive Dominance: The Trojans recorded 4.0 sacks and held the Bruins to just 308 total yards.
- Historical Context: This was the fewest points UCLA has scored in the rivalry since 2011.
- Quarterback Play: Jayden Maiava finished with 257 yards and two touchdowns. He wasn't perfect, but he was efficient when it mattered most.
What’s Next for the Trojans and Bruins?
Now that the regular season is over, the focus shifts. USC is heading to a high-profile bowl game—not the Playoffs, unfortunately, but likely a New Year's Six-adjacent matchup that will serve as a massive recruiting tool. They need to figure out their kicking situation, as Ryon Sayeri’s struggles are becoming a real concern for high-stakes games.
UCLA is in full rebuild mode. With Bob Chesney officially taking the reigns in December 2025, the transfer portal is going to be a revolving door in Westwood. They have talent—Nico Iamaleava showed flashes of brilliance—but the depth just isn't there yet to compete for four quarters against Top 25 teams.
The Victory Bell stays in South Central. For now, Los Angeles is red.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Highlights: If you want to see the Makai Lemon hurdle or King Miller’s 41-yard burst, check out the official USC Athletics YouTube channel; the field-level views are incredible.
- Track the Portal: Keep an eye on UCLA’s roster over the next few weeks; expect Chesney to bring in at least 15-20 new faces via the portal.
- Bowl Prep: Check the official NCAA bowl rankings released this Sunday to see where USC lands; travel packages usually sell out within 48 hours for the major Southern California-affiliated bowls.