LOS ANGELES - Jack Plummer became the first Cal quarterback in six years to throw for over 400 yards in a game but the Cal football team's comeback effort fell just short in a 41-35 loss to No. 9 USC on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Plummer completed 35 of 49 passes for 406 yards, including touchdown throws to Monroe Young, Mavin Anderson and Jeremiah Hunter. Cal put together a stirring comeback bid in the second half, and when freshman running back Jaydn Ott rushed for his second touchdown of the game with 2:31 to play - followed by a successful 2-point conversion - it trimmed USC's lead to 41-35. But USC's was able to barely stay in front and close out the game.

The Trojans built a 27-7 lead early in the third quarter, but Cal's offense got rolling, beginning with Young's 2-yard scoring catch. It was the second straight game in which Young has caught a touchdown pass - the first two touchdowns of his career.

Cal cut it to 34-21 with 12:56 left on Anderson's 47-yard TD catch and then recovered an onside kick. The Bears took advantage on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Plummer to Hunter to make it 34-27 with nine minutes remaining. 

The teams exchanged touchdowns, with Ott's final score cutting the deficit once again back down to six points. But this time the Trojans recovered the Bears' onside kick and were able to notch a first down and run out the clock.

Plummer's passing explosion was Cal's most prolific aerial performance since Davis Webb threw for 425 yards at Washington State on Nov. 16, 2016.

Young finished the game with career-highs of five catches and 66 yards.

The Bears return to action next Saturday at Oregon State. The kickoff time and television information will be announced Sunday.