No. 9 Indiana defeated No. 18 USC 27-13 on Saturday, with backup quarterback Grant Wilson making his first start of the season in place of the injured Josh Hoover. The win keeps Indiana’s College Football Playoff hopes alive, while USC’s playoff aspirations effectively ended with the loss.
Indiana’s ground game struggles; Wilson steps in
Indiana entered the game without running back Turbo Richard, who was ruled out before kickoff. With Hoover battling a shoulder injury, Wilson took over and completed 17 of 27 passes for 305 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Becker with 3:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Hoosiers’ offense relied on a balanced attack, with Wilson contributing 26 rushing yards in addition to his passing numbers.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava finished 26 of 42 for 311 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while the Trojans were flagged for 27 penalties totaling 87 yards. The game remained close until late in the fourth quarter, when Indiana’s defense held firm to secure the victory.
Postgame reactions reflect contrasting outlooks
Indiana head coach Tom Allen emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, "We knew we had to find a way to win, and our defense came up big when it mattered." Allen also highlighted the impact of Wilson’s performance, noting, "Grant stepped in and made plays when we needed him."
USC head coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged his team’s close call but stressed the need to improve in critical moments. "We were right there tonight," Riley said. "This game came down to a couple of plays, and we didn’t execute when it mattered. We’ve got to get back to work and correct what we need to."
Key statistical takeaways
- Indiana’s defense held USC to 98 rushing yards on 25 attempts, while forcing three turnovers.
- USC’s penalties (87 yards) and turnovers proved costly, with Maiava’s three interceptions standing out.
- Indiana’s Wilson completed passes to Brock Schott (first touchdown) and Khobie Martin (second touchdown), while adding a rushing element to the offense.
- USC’s Zacharyus Williams scored the Trojans’ lone touchdown on a 7-yard reception from Maiava.
Remaining schedule implications
For Indiana, the win keeps playoff hopes alive, though the committee’s recent rankings suggest more wins may be needed. The Hoosiers face Penn State next, a game that could further shape their playoff trajectory.
USC, now at 7-3, has its final two games against Maryland (Senior Day) and UCLA (rivalry game) to close the season. Riley emphasized the importance of these contests, stating, "We’ve got to get back on the plane, correct what we need to, and get on to the next one."
Context: Playoff rankings and team narratives
Indiana entered the game ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings but fell to No. 11 after the loss to Ohio State. The win over USC helps, but the committee’s recent decisions suggest they may need additional marquee victories to solidify a playoff spot.
USC, which has struggled on the road under Riley (1-8 against ranked opponents away from home), saw its playoff hopes diminish significantly. The Trojans’ loss to Indiana follows a pattern of close but ultimately unsuccessful performances against top-tier programs.
Upcoming matchups to watch
- Indiana (6-3) vs. Penn State (7-2): A potential statement win for the Hoosiers in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
- USC (7-3) vs. UCLA (7-3): A rivalry game that could determine the Pac-12 South champion and impact bowl projections.