USC’s Christian Pierce and King Miller Shine in Victory Bell Win Over UCLA
For USC safety Christian Pierce and running back King Miller, Saturday’s win over UCLA wasn’t just another game. It was the culmination of years of dreaming, grinding, and waiting for their moment in one of college football’s most storied rivalries. And when the lights came on at the Coliseum, both delivered in a big way.
Miller, a Southern California native and former walk-on, has gone from afterthought to breakout star in just a matter of weeks. On Saturday, he added another chapter to his remarkable rise, rushing 17 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns in USC’s 29-10 win over the Bruins. It was his fourth 120-yard game since taking over as the Trojans’ lead back in mid-October-and perhaps his most meaningful yet.
“I just remember growing up watching this,” Miller said postgame. “Last year I didn’t get to play, but this one was definitely special-to be able to contribute to this win.”
And contribute he did. Miller opened the scoring with a touchdown on USC’s first possession, but it was his 41-yard sprint to the end zone late in the fourth quarter that sealed the game and kept the Victory Bell in cardinal and gold.
That play, in that moment, inside the Coliseum? It’s one he won’t forget anytime soon.
“It’s up there, definitely top two for sure,” Miller said of the touchdown. “I'm gonna remember that one for a long time.”
Only one moment tops it for Miller: his 75-yard touchdown in the season opener against Missouri State, where his twin brother Kaylon threw the key block that sprung him loose. That family connection, that shared journey-it’s all part of what makes Miller’s story so compelling.
Let’s not forget, Miller started the year buried on the depth chart as USC’s fourth-string running back. But injuries opened the door, and Miller didn’t just walk through it-he sprinted. Since taking over, he’s been one of the most productive backs in the Big Ten, and he’s done it with the kind of poise and toughness that makes coaches take notice.
“Honestly, it really ain’t sunk in-probably will after the season,” Miller said. “I just came out here trying to help this team out as much as I could.”
While Miller’s emergence has turned heads across the country, those inside the program saw it coming. Head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff had been praising the redshirt freshman since spring ball, and his fall breakout has only confirmed what they already believed: this kid can play.
On the other side of the ball, junior safety Christian Pierce also had a breakthrough moment of his own. After spending his first two seasons contributing primarily on special teams, Pierce got his first start in the Battle of L.A.-and made it count.
“It was very important,” Pierce said. “Just always thinking about the Battle of L.A. and always dreaming about just wanting to play in it and contribute. Being able to actually have that opportunity is a big deal.”
Pierce’s impact might not jump off the stat sheet, but it was felt in every corner of the defense. With Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald sidelined for the past two-and-a-half games, Pierce stepped into a leadership role in the secondary-and embraced it fully.
He’s been a steady presence all season, appearing in all 12 games and starting nine. But it’s the journey to this point that defines him just as much as his performance on the field.
In an era where the transfer portal is often the first stop when things don’t go as planned, Pierce stayed the course. He didn’t flinch when the Trojans brought in transfers at his position.
He didn’t complain about playing time. He just kept working.
“It meant everything,” Pierce said. “Just being able to watch some NFL guys at my position, watch how they go about things, and understand what they do well that I might not do as well-and vice versa. Just work on my craft and really be a student of the game.”
And now, after three years of waiting, learning, and grinding, Pierce is finally getting his chance-and making the most of it. His message to others in similar situations is simple, but powerful.
“Stay down. It’s a process,” he said.
“You’re at the right place. If you love your teammates, the brotherhood, and the culture of the program, just stay down.
Everything is gonna work out.”
For USC, Saturday’s win was about more than just beating a rival or keeping the Victory Bell. It was about players like Miller and Pierce-guys who stayed ready, stayed committed, and rose to the moment when their number was called.
And for the Trojans, that’s a victory worth celebrating.