June 2, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

USC wins at 37th annual Holiday Bowl against Nebraska

Cody Kessler threw three touchdown passes, Javorius Allen ran for 152 yards and two scores and USC withstood Nebraska’s comeback attempt from an 18-point third-quarter deficit in a 45-42 win tonight in 37th annual Holiday Bowl at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium.

Kessler’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Dixon with two minutes, three seconds remaining in the third quarter gave the Trojans a 45-27 lead. The Cornhuskers’ comeback attempt began on the ensuing possession when Tommy Armstrong Jr. threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Westerkamp.

Nebraska (9-4) turned the ball over on downs on its next possession, then forced USC to punt. Armstrong ran 15 yards for a touchdown and passed to Kenny Bell for a two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 45-42 with 6:52 left.

The Cornhuskers had a fourth-and-three on the Trojans’ 31-yard line the next time they had the ball, but interim coach Barney Cotton declined to kick a potential game-tying 48-yard field goal, instead trying for a first down, only to have De’Mornay Pierson-El was stopped after gaining one yard on a pass from Armstrong.

Nebraska began its final series on its own 32-yard line, drove to its own 44 where Armstrong threw a desperation pass that was broken up around the USC 5-yard line by Nelson Agholor, usually a receiver, but inserted as an additional defensive back.

Kessler completed 23 of 39 passes for 321 yards, with one pass intercepted, and was chosen as the Offensive Player of the Game.

Trojan defensive end Leonard Williams was selected as the defensive player of the game for making six solo tackles — including a quarterback sack – – and assisting on three other stops.

USC (9-4) was outgained 525 yards to 515, trailed 28-22 in first downs and 34:26-25:34 in time of possession, including 10:16-4:44 in the third quarter and 8:32-6:28 in the fourth.

Armstrong completed 32 of 51 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns. He had two passes intercepted.

Adoree’ Jackson returned a kickoff 98 yards for a first-quarter touchdown and also scored on a 71-yard pass from Kessler in the third quarter.

Andre Heidari kicked a 42-yard field goal in the first quarter.

The Cornhuskers opened the scoring on a 34-yard field goal by Drew Brown, who also kicked a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter.

The announced attendance of 55,789 was the most for the Holiday Bowl since 2011 when the game between California and Texas drew 56,317.

The Trojans were playing in their first Holiday Bowl. This was the second Holiday Bowl to be played on a Saturday and first since 1990.

The game marked the start of the Holiday Bowl’s six-year agreement with the Big Ten Conference reached in 2013 to supply a team, replacing the Big 12, which had annually supplied a team since 1995.

Related Posts

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Actress Cameron Diaz Slashes Price on Beverly Crest Estate to $16.5 Million

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Modern Farmhouse in Beverly Crest Returns to Market with Lower Price Tag Cameron Diaz has reduced the asking price of...

Chin Chin to Close West Hollywood Location After 45 Years of Service

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Iconic Sunset Plaza Restaurant Announces Final Day of Operations Chin Chin, the iconic Chinese eatery that has been a fixture...

LACMA’s $700M David Geffen Galleries to Open in 2026

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

New Structure Will Replace Original Midcentury Buildings Construction crews are entering the final stretch on the David Geffen Galleries, a...

Criterion Mobile Closet Arrives in L.A. for Two-Day Stop at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

More Than 1,000 Classic Titles June 6–7 During American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week  Following its successful appearances at SXSW and Vidiots...

Lane Closures Return to PCH in Malibu for Fire Recovery and Emergency Repairs

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Traffic Will Be Impacted as Caltrans and the USACE Conduct Cleanup  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced updated...

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

WeHo Pride Weekend Begins and 2025 Icons Announced: Parades, Concerts, and Community Celebration Kicks Off

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Three-Day LGBTQ+ Festival Features Performances by Lizzo, Maren Morris, and Kim Petras West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its...

Where to Find Convenient Parking for WeHo Pride Weekend Festivities For a Reasonable Price

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Pride Celebrants Can Choose From Self-Parking, Valet Service, EV Charging As the city gears up for Pride weekend, the Beverly...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

Bel Air Seventh Grader Reaches Finals of Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Oliver Halkett of Mirman School Competed on Thursday for a $50,000 prize Thirteen-year-old Oliver Halkett, a seventh grader from Mirman...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/k0452YE9UA pic.twitter.com/wGolXdzlJA — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) May 30,...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...