Ruling allows USC to try second-quarter FG after halftime

USC Trojans kicker Denis Lynch attempts a field goal. Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Wild ruling allows USC to attempt second-quarter FG after halftime

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/28/23

As if Saturday's matchup between No. 24 USC and California couldn't get any stranger, a potential football first occurred at the start of the second half.

Long after the two squads had left the field for the halftime break, officials ruled that time remained on the first-half clock, allowing the USC offense one second to run a play, which they did at the start of the third quarter, lining up for 33-yard field-goal try.

Officials ruled, after halftime began, that USC was down with 1 second remaining in the 2nd quarter.

The solution: give the ball back to USC with one second remaining in the second quarter, after the conclusion of halftime. pic.twitter.com/TJHfOOmljr
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 28, 2023

In perhaps one of the most outstanding examples of "ball don't lie," following a Cal timeout, the attempt from USC kicker Denis Lynch went wide left, and all the hubbub was over nothing as the score didn't change.

USC's field goal is no good

They trail Cal 28-17 pic.twitter.com/H62Od405sc
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 28, 2023

That wasn't the only oddity on Saturday. Before the post-halftime shenanigans, protesters delayed the start of the contest, storming the field before sitting arm-and-arm at the 50-yard line. Shortly thereafter, police removed them from the field in handcuffs.

With USC and Cal leaving the Pac-12, this is likely the final matchup between the longtime rivals. If so, what a way to go out.

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