USC witnessed one of the greatest Holiday Bowl performances in history. With the team’s starter Caleb Williams sitting out of the college football game in order to avoid risking injury that could hamper his preparation for the NFL Draft, it was all up to backup Miller Moss to carry this team.
And carry he did. Moss led USC to a dominant 42-28 victory over No. 16 Louisville and had a great game in the process.
Miller Moss ended the game with 23 completions, 372 yards, and 6 touchdowns. His performance was so enthralling that even Caleb Williams could not help but get out on the field and get fired up over his iconic performance. Williams was cheering for Moss and hugged the quarterback while giving him congratulatory words.
Caleb Williams demonstrated true sportsmanship, as it was an emotional night for him as well. Moss matched Williams’ career high at USC with his 6 touchdowns, a feat the soon-to-be NFL quarterback has achieved on multiple occasions, most recently against Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
Miller Moss matched Caleb Williams’ career high in TDs in his first ever Bowl-game
Miller Moss’ six-touchdown game broke the Holiday Bowl record of 4 TD passes held by four players. It was also the most touchdowns thrown by a quarterback in his first start for USC that ended its season on a rough note falling short of its aspirations to compete for the National Championship.
The Trojans’ Holiday Bowl victory marks an end to the team’s affiliation with the Pac-12 conference as from 2024, the team will be a part of the Big Ten conference. Along with USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington will also be leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.
As part of the victory celebrations, Head Coach Lincoln Riley got an eggnog bath. Following his team’s victory, Riley said,
Honestly, all the years and wins and stuff, this was as fun a win as I can remember as a head coach. Just with all the changes, all the back and forth, six weeks, 20-plus guys that didn't play in this game for different reasons. That's a good football team we just beat up on.
With the Holiday Bowl victory, Riley has one less thing to worry about, irrespective of the fact if Caleb Williams returns or not, he has a competent quarterback in Miller Moss.
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