On Friday, the USC football team defeated Northwestern at the Coliseum 38-17. With the victory, the Trojans improved to 7-2 on the season and 5-1 in Big Ten play.
What did we learn from the game? Here are five key takeaways:
One play flipped the game
With the game tied at 14 late in the second quarter, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw what looked like it was going to be a horrendous pick six. Northwestern was seemingly going to go up 21-14, and with the Wildcats getting the ball to start the second half, the Trojans appeared to be in trouble.
Instead, Maiava ran back and hit the defender, forcing him to fumble the ball through the end zone for a touchback. USC got the ball back, scored a touchdown on its next possession, and outscored Northwestern 24-3 the rest of the way.
Maiava bounces back
After his worst performance of the season to date last week at Nebraska, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava bounced back in a big way against Northwestern. After the interception, he was lights out the rest of the way, finishing with 299 yards passing and two touchdowns, in addition to another score on the ground.
Skill positions dominate
USC’s running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends all shined in the game. King Miller rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown for the third time in four games. Wideouts Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane combined for 235 receiving yards and three total scores. And tight end Lake McRee had another solid game, catching three passes for 52 yards.
Defensive adjustments
USC’s defense allowed touchdown on Northwestern’s first two drives, and it looked like we were in for a shootout. After that, however, the Trojans gave up just three points the rest of the night. It was an impressive job bouncing back by the unit after a horrible start to the game. D’Anton Lynn deserves major credit for his in-game adjustments.
Surpassing last year’s win total
Last season, USC only won six games during the regular season. Friday was the Trojans seventh victory of 2025. Regardless of what happens the rest of the day, the Trojans have improved upon last season’s record after back-to-back years of regression.