After a shanked punt by the Gophers failed to pin USC deep, the Trojans took advantage.
Quarterback Matt Barkley took only four plays and 1:37 to drive the Trojans 77 yards, concluding the drive with a 53-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Ronald Johnson.
The Trojans, inexplicably, went for two instead of kicking the extra point, and the Gophers stopped the attempt short of the end zone.
With 11:53 remaining in the first half. . .No. 18 USC 13, Gophers 7.