Moss' record-breaking performance powers USC over Louisville in DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

In a surprising turn of events, USC quarterback Miller Moss stole the show in his first college start at the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, leading the Trojans (8-5) to a 42-28 victory over the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals (10-4) at Petco Park on Wednesday night.

With the 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, Moss seized the opportunity and orchestrated an electrifying offensive performance. The redshirt sophomore broke the Holiday Bowl record with six touchdown passes, the most by a USC quarterback in their first start, as the Trojans closed out a turbulent season on a high note.

Moss completed 23 of 33 passes for 372 yards, with one interception. His highlight reel included a 12-yard toss to Ja'Kobi Lane and a 44-yard bomb to Duce Robinson to seal the win.

Williams watched and supported his teammates from the sidelines as Moss engineered the unforgettable showing. The six touchdowns also tied the Pac-12 bowl record and set a new mark for USC in bowl games.

Tahj Washington hauled in seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns, while Kyron Hudson added another score.

Louisville's Isaac Guerendo had an impressive performance, rushing for 161 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to dampen the Trojans' offensive fireworks. 

After a rocky season that failed to live up to high expectations, Moss's phenomenal debut provided redemption for USC, closing out the year with a positive outlook as they get set to make their Big Ten debut in 2024.

USC and Louisville to clash at the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

The KGB Skyshow is not the only fireworks expected when the USC Trojans (7-5) and the No. 16 ranked Louisville Cardinals (10-3) meet at Petco Park on December 27th.

The Trojans will be without star quarterback Caleb Williams, who passed for over 3,600 yards and 30 touchdowns but opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Making his first career start in Williams' place is sophomore Miller Moss. In limited backup duty this season, Moss flashed potential by passing for 542 yards and three touchdowns.

Moss will have no shortage of offensive weapons at his disposal. Electric receiver Tahj Washington looks to break loose after compiling 963 receiving yards and six touchdowns this year. Running back MarShawn Lloyd also poses a threat having rushed for 820 yards and nine scores. But this gifted Trojan attack will have its hands full against a suffocating Louisville defense.

The Cardinals give up just 16.4 points on average behind the havoc-wreaking pass rush of defensive end Ashton Gillotte (11 sacks) and the fearsome tackling of linebacker TJ Quinn (87 tackles). The two stars headline a punishing unit that could shake the inexperienced Moss.

Yet Louisville has plenty of scoring power too behind the arm of quarterback Jack Plummer. Hitting top targets Jamari Thrash (858 receiving yards, 6 TDs) and Jawhar Jordan (1,128 rushing yards, 13 TDs), Plummer helped guide an offense averaging over 30 points per contest. 

The Cardinals will make their first-ever Holiday Bowl appearance while the Trojans are back for the fourth time. USC is 1-2 all-time in San Diego's marquee bowl game, with their lone triumph coming in a 45-42 thriller over Nebraska in 2014. 

Prep Football: Granite Hills' phenomenal run ends at Mission Viejo, Del Norte falls to last-second Hail Mary

Mission Viejo ends Granite Hills’ state title hopes

The 2023 CIF Southern Cal Regionals kicked off with a disappointing start for San Diego Section teams. In the Division 1-AA regional, Granite Hills (12-1) got off to a great start going up 14-0 over Mission Viejo (12-3) to end the first quarter. But the Diablos exploded with 42 unanswered points and will advance to the 1-AA state championship game. For the Eagles, this ends their 21-game winning streak and their chance at back-to-back state titles.