2012 Sun Bowl

Georgia Tech had to request for a postseason waiver that was granted in order to participate as a result of the conference championship game the Yellow Jackets played under extenuating circumstances caused by sanctions on the two teams ahead of them in division standings.

[3] Coming off a two-year postseason ban, the Trojans had high hopes to return to their former glory in 2012, which were undoubtedly heightened by their preseason #1 ranking.

However, these plans were quickly dampened by the Trojans losing four of their last five games to finish at 7–5 and a second-place tie in the Pac-12 South Division.

The USC offense was led by wide receivers Robert Woods and Fred Biletnikoff Award winner Marqise Lee, with the later coming into the game with 2,588 all-purpose yards.

[7] They lost to the Florida State Seminoles by a score of 21–15, but still were in solid position for the Sun Bowl's invite.

With its triple option offense, Georgia Tech averaged 312.5 rushing yards per game, which was fourth in the FBS.

However, the play was reviewed and the field goal was overturned after replay showed the kick sailing wide left.

In the second quarter, the Yellow Jackets went up 7–0 on a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Vad Lee to David Sims.

However, on the ensuing drive, quarterback Vad Lee threw an interception to USC's Lamar Dawson.

Taking advantage of the fumble, USC tied the game 7–7 on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Max Wittek to Silas Redd.

[1][13][14] Taking advantage of the turnover on downs, Georgia Tech further extended their lead to 21–7 on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Tevin Washington to Orwin Smith.

After being forced to a three-and-out, Trojan punter Kyle Negrete pinned Georgia Tech at the Yellow Jackets' 5-yard line.

However, the Yellow Jackets gave the ball back to the Trojans after being unable to convert a fourth and 4 play.

The Trojans were unable to score, however, after Georgia Tech's Quayshawn Nealy intercepted USC's Max Wittek's pass in the endzone.