USC Trojans falter as Indiana Hoosiers boost College Football Playoff hopes with 27-13 win
A high-stakes matchup
Indiana and USC had met only five times before Saturday’s game in Bloomington. Both teams faced what the report described as a must-win situation for their College Football Playoff chances.
USC had struggled in road games, while Indiana was without running back Turbo Richard, who was ruled out before kickoff. The matchup also carried added significance for Indiana’s hopes of defending its national title.
Defenses set early tone
Both defenses limited scoring in the first half. Indiana opened the scoring when quarterback Grant Wilson found tight end Brock Schott for a touchdown. Each team missed a field goal before making another. Indiana held a 10-7 lead with less than a minute remaining before halftime.
Turnovers shape the outcome
USC’s Deven Bryant intercepted Wilson late in the half, returning possession to quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava’s two interceptions proved costly as Indiana pulled away in the fourth quarter.
The Hoosiers finished with a 27-13 victory, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. The result also preserved their chance to defend their national title.
Key points
- Indiana beat USC 27-13 in Bloomington to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
- Both teams entered the game needing a win to stay in playoff contention.
- Indiana was without running back Turbo Richard, who was ruled out before kickoff.
- Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions as Indiana pulled away in the fourth quarter.