Cal vs. USC: Live Score, Highlights for Golden Bears vs. Trojans

USC 45, California 24. Game Over.

The USC Trojans built on their current hot streak, while the California Golden Bears failed to establish some consistency as the two sides met at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Thursday night.

California entered the night with one of the worst rush defense in the FBS, and the unit was a poor as advertised in this one. 

USC ran for 398 yards on 47 attempts, as its two main rushers ran for career highs. Ronald Jones II led the way with 223 yards and a touchdown, while Aca'Cedric Ware ran for 130 yards. Jones also added two catches for 18 yards and a score through the air.

Freshman quarterback Sam Darnold continues to impress, as the Trojans won their fourth straight game with him at the helm. Darnold was ruthlessly efficient with his arm once again, going 18-of-25 for 231 yards and five touchdowns through the air. He did struggle a bit with turnovers, fumbling twice while also throwing an ill-advised pick late when the game was well out of hand.

Davis Webb was solid for California, but he and the offense struggled to create any persistent scoring due in large part to the absence of star receiver Chad Hansen, who was out with an injury. The senior signal-caller went 34-of-53 passing for 333 yards, two touchdowns and one interception as the Golden Bears were playing catch-up all night.

The loss continued a trend of inconsistency for California, as it has yet to win consecutive games this season. This does not look like it will end soon since the Golden Bears are abysmal defensively in large part because a slew of injuries.

USC will host Oregon next week, with a matchup at Washington awaiting the Trojans the following weekend. California will meet the Huskies a little earlier, as the Golden Bears host the Pac-12 North's top team next week.

Statistics are courtesy of NCAA.com.