WATCH: Dorian Thompson-Robinson autographs fan's hat after touchdown
The Bruins are trouncing the USC defense, and UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is having some fun with the fans.
After scoring his fourth touchdown of the day to take a 28-10 lead over USC in the second quarter, the UCLA signal caller signed a fan’s hat.
Thompson-Robinson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, a penalty which UCLA head coach Chip Kelly understandably said he has never seen.
Showing how deep this cross-city rivalry goes, the UCLA hat belonged to a fan wearing a USC shirt.
The Bruins lead the Trojans 28-17 at the half, and the USC defense is struggling mightily. UCLA put up 9.7 yards per play in the first half with a total of 33 yards.
Thompson-Robinson started off in trouble, throwing interceptions on his first two pass attempts. After the initial mishaps, the quarterback has been nearly perfect. He completed 10 of his last 12 pass attempts to end the half and has 239 passing yards.
Kazmeir Allen is Thompson-Robinson’s favorite target of the day, as he has two receptions for 103 yards. Both catches resulted in six points.
Both USC touchdowns have come on runs by senior running back Vavae Malepeai. True freshman quarterback Jaxon Dart got his first career star on Saturday, and it has not been his best showing. He is 12-for-25 with 133 yards and an interception.
Stakes are low in LA
The Trojans are 4-5 and fighting to become bowl eligible. They did not play last weekend, as their game against Cal was postponed due to COVID-19 issues for the Bears. UCLA is 6-4, already topping their largest win total under Kelly. They have won three games twice and four games once in Kelly’s previous three seasons.
The low stakes at the Coliseum are evident, as the stadium was very empty before kickoff.