USC notebook: Bryson Shaw steps up, Brett Neilon leaves Pac-12 title game early

LAS VEGAS — Safety Bryson Shaw was a late addition to the USC roster, transferring from Ohio State after spring practices ended. And it took him time to find a role within the Trojans’ defense on a team with veteran safeties.

But in USC’s 47-24 Pac-12 championship game loss to Utah, Shaw showed that he can be a piece that the Trojans can build around in the future.

Shaw was active prior to snaps for USC throughout the first half, pointing out Utah’s motions and alerting his teammates to what could be coming.

His alertness paid off on the second series as he sniffed out a short third-down pass and arrived right as the ball did, breaking up the play and forcing a punt. A drive later, Shaw jumped on a fumble that was forced out by Max Williams.

He made mistakes, including a costly strip attempt instead of making a tackle on what turned into a third-quarter Utah touchdown. But Shaw showed he can be someone USC can rely on in future seasons.

NEILON HURT

USC senior center Brett Neilon left the field on a cart after appearing to injure his ankle on a pass block in the fourth quarter. His ankle rolled as he stepped back after the snap and he went down immediately.

As he waited for the cart to take him off the field for what could be his last game as a Trojan, Neilon waved his arms at the USC section of Allegiant Stadium, urging them to make noise for the Trojans.

VORHEES OUT

Senior left guard Andrew Vorhees did not dress for USC against Utah after leaving the Notre Dame game early with an injury. Vorhees has battled through nagging injuries all season, including missing USC’s win over Arizona.

FIGUEROA WINS AWARD

USC defensive end Nick Figueroa was named the Pac-12 football Scholar-Athlete of the Year on Friday. The first USC football player to earn the honor, Figueroa earned his bachelor’s degree in real estate development in 2021 with a 3.76 GPA. He entered Friday’s game with 4½ sacks and 19 tackles this season.

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