USC’s Jayden Maiava Takes Accountability After His Performance Against Indiana

A difficult road loss

USC’s loss to Indiana featured familiar problems, including penalties, special-teams mistakes and missed chances. Maiava also struggled, completing 26 of 42 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

“Just got to play better at the quarterback position,” Maiava said after the game. He also said he needed to trust the play and move past mistakes.

A brighter first half

The first half was a close, physical contest, with both teams working for yardage. Maiava completed 14 of 16 passes for 145 yards, a touchdown and an interception before halftime.

Late in the half, Maiava threw 51 yards to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt after Deven Bryant’s interception. On the next play, he connected with Zacharyus Williams for a touchdown that tied the game.

Indiana disrupts the offense

USC had only 52 rushing yards in the first half, and Maiava leaned on receiver Trent Mosley and tight end Mark Bowman. Together, they had 11 targets, eight catches and 59 yards by halftime.

Fourth-quarter turnovers

Two of Maiava’s three interceptions came in the fourth quarter. With USC trailing 20-13 and facing second-and-six at Indiana’s six-yard line, linebacker Isaiah Jones intercepted a pass intended for an open target.

“It was a great play on the linebacker,” Maiava said, adding that he needed to see clearly and move on. His final interception came on a fourth-and-13 pass from USC’s 37-yard line.

Maryland next at home

USC scored just three points in the second half, and its drives stalled, including in the red zone. The Trojans finished regulation with three conversions on five red-zone opportunities.