Indiana defeats USC in crucial College Football Playoff battle

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 01:26 · Archive

Indiana beat USC 27-13 in a game both teams needed to win to stay in College Football Playoff contention.

Indiana beat USC 27-13 in Bloomington, a game both teams needed to win to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Indiana's defence was the deciding factor, forcing costly USC turnovers in the red zone.

Indiana struck first when quarterback Grant Wilson hit tight end Brock Schott for a touchdown. Both defences dominated the opening half, making points scarce. USC tied the game when Jayden Maiava threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Zacharyus Williams, but the score remained tight at 10-7 at halftime.

Indiana pulled ahead with a five-play, 75-yard drive capped by a Khobie Martin touchdown. The Hoosiers added a field goal early in the second half to extend their lead. USC followed with a lengthy drive that resulted in a field goal but proved insufficient to close the gap. Indiana moved to 9-1 with the victory, whilst USC dropped to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play.

How it is being reported

• USC legend calls for Lincoln Riley’s job in savage response to crushing Indiana lossUSC’s College Football Playoff hopes were crushed Saturday in Bloomington, Ind. The Trojans fell to Indiana in a 27-13 loss that has shed further light on coach Lincoln Riley’s tenure with the program. Former USC wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was fuming over the crushing defeat and made it clear what he believes the team’s next...New York Post · 15 Nov, 02:36
• Hey, USC powers that be, repeat after me: Lincoln Riley has gotta goDid you see that, Jen Cohen? The USC athletics director’s flagship program once again couldn’t measure up against a top team in a tough environment. Were you watching, Beong-Soo Kim? Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches his players warm up before a game against the Indiana Hoosiers, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. The Trojans...New York Post · 15 Nov, 02:08
• Indiana Hoosiers boost College Football Playoff hopes with 27-13 win over USC TrojansIndiana's defense forced costly USC Trojans turnovers in the red zone as the Hoosiers moved to 9-1 and kept their playoff hopes firmly alive.Fox News · 15 Nov, 01:00
• USC football faces massive mystery at quarterback among 5 things to watch vs IndianaOne huge win down, two to go. That’s the only path remaining to the College Football Playoff for USC and coach Lincoln Riley after the Trojans dispatched then-No. 2 Ohio State two weeks ago. Beating the Buckeyes left USC on the cusp of contention for the 12-team playoff even though the Trojans checked in at...New York Post · 13 Nov, 20:16

In this story: Indiana Hoosiers · USC Trojans · Lincoln Riley · Bloomington · Grant Wilson · Jayden Maiava

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