DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
USC defeated Northwestern 38–17 to secure a comfortable win. USC covered by 6.5; Game went Over by 0.5. The market closed at USC -14.5 and the Blue Chip model made it USC -19.6 - a gap of 5.0 points toward USC, of which 3.6 points were beyond the model's measured factors. That was an information gap - the market pricing something the model does not carry - rather than a measured edge.
Northwestern's normally stingy pass defense allowed 299 yards and 2 touchdowns to USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, the most yards allowed by the Wildcats all season. This was a significant departure from their previous performances, as they had not allowed a 200-yard passer before this game.
Caleb Komolafe rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown, providing a strong ground presence. The Wildcats also had a 13-play drive ending in a touchdown pass to Griffin Wilde, showing they can sustain drives against top competition.
Defensive lineman Najee Story intercepted a pass and was tackled at the goal line, with the ball being knocked out for a touchback. This play could have given Northwestern the lead and shifted momentum, but instead resulted in a missed scoring chance.
With a 5-4 record, Northwestern needs one more win in their remaining three games against Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois to become bowl eligible for the second time in three seasons under coach David Braun.
Northwestern will host Michigan on Saturday, November 15. The Wildcats will need to improve their pass defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities to compete against a strong Michigan team.
USC's passing attack was dominant, with Makai Lemon (11 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD) and Ja'Kobi Lane (7 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD) combining for 18 receptions and 235 yards. This performance came against a Northwestern defense that had not allowed a 200-yard passer all season, showing the Trojans' ability to exploit even stingy secondaries.
The Trojans rushed for 183 yards, led by King Miller's 127 yards and a touchdown, plus Jayden Maiava's 6-yard rushing score. This balance kept Northwestern's defense off-balance and allowed USC to control the clock, especially in the second half.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his most impactful play was a forced fumble at the goal line on an interception return, preventing a Northwestern touchdown. His toughness and leadership were praised by coach Lincoln Riley as setting the tone for the team.
USC opened the game with a 16-play touchdown drive, a stark contrast to their struggles against Nebraska the previous week. This demonstrated improved offensive rhythm and execution, which will be crucial against Iowa's stout defense.
The Trojans remain unbeaten at the Coliseum this season and have won back-to-back conference games, keeping them in the College Football Playoff conversation. To stay alive, they must continue winning, starting with a home game against Iowa.
At kickoff, conditions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum were Partly cloudy, 64°F with winds of 1 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Partly cloudy
64°F
| Measure | NorthwesternAway | USCHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 1,749 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Bye week | 2,545 miles |
| Season total | 5,428 miles | 13,142 miles |
| Body clock | 20:00 | 18:00 |
| Rest | 14 days | 7 days |
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