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

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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