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USC's Brandon Pili somehow avoids ejection after throwing vicious punch

UCLA running back Joshua Kelley (27) scored a touchdown after a penalty on USC”s Brandon Pili gave his team first and goal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
UCLA running back Joshua Kelley (27) scored a touchdown after a penalty on USC”s Brandon Pili gave his team first and goal. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

USC defensive lineman Brandon Pili was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in the first half against UCLA, and somehow avoided an ejection.

Trailing 17-14 in the second quarter, UCLA had advanced inside the USC 10-yard line when Pili was penalized for taking a vicious swing at Bruins lineman Christaphany Murray after a second-down play.

Instead of UCLA facing third-and-goal, Pili’s penalty gave the Bruins an automatic first down and moved them half the distance to the goal.

Two plays later, UCLA running back Joshua Kelley scored from a yard out to give his team a 21-17 lead with 8:10 left in the first half.

USC coach Clay Helton has been criticized for many reasons, but a big one has been a lack of discipline from his team. That was on display last week when an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty extended a Cal drive, allowing the Golden Bears to run out the clock and beat USC, 15-14.

Pili’s punch is the latest example of poor composure from the Trojans. USC went on to lose 34-27 in the latest strike against Helton, who is fighting to keep his job. At 5-6 the Trojans need to upset undefeated Notre Dame just to reach a bowl game.

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