USC Trojans

USC's offense has been the team's anchor, scoring at least 25 points in every game and averaging 37.3 points per contest. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been efficient and productive, throwing for 1,784 yards with 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions, while completing 68.1% of his passes. The running back duo of Waymond Jordan and King Miller has combined for 1,012 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. The offensive line, anchored by tackles Elijah Paige and Justin Tauanuu, has allowed just 12 sacks and paved the way for an offense that ranks in the top 20 nationally in total yards. The emergence of freshman receiver Trent Mosley (38 catches, 592 yards, 6 TDs) and the return of Tanook Hines from injury have given Maiava a reliable set of targets, while Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Mark Bowman have also contributed. This unit will need to keep producing as the schedule toughens.

Under new coordinator Gary Patterson, USC's defense showed early promise, holding Fresno State to 116 total yards and recording two safeties in a 39-0 shutout. However, the unit has been inconsistent against better competition, allowing 30 or more points in three straight games (Louisiana, Rutgers, Oregon) before tightening up in recent weeks. The run defense has improved, holding Oregon to 138 yards, Washington to 116, and Penn State to just 68 yards on 31 carries (2.2 yards per carry). Defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart has been a disruptive force, and ends Braylan Shelby and Kameryn Crawford have provided pressure. The secondary, led by Marcelles Williams and Prophet Brown, has had its moments but has also been burned by big plays. Overall, the defense ranks 65th nationally in scoring defense (26.3 points per game) and must continue to improve for USC to contend in the Big Ten.

USC is 6-1 but has covered the spread in only two of seven games, a testament to the team's tendency to build leads and then ease off. The Trojans failed to cover as massive favorites against San José State (won by 16, line -38.5), Louisiana (won by 19, line -31.5), and Rutgers (won by 7, line -21.5). The only cover came in a 39-0 shutout of Fresno State as a 21.5-point favorite. This pattern of not putting away inferior opponents has kept games closer than expected and is a concern for bettors, though the team has found ways to win. The close-game victories over Washington (25-21) and Penn State (31-23) show resilience, but the lack of a killer instinct could be costly against elite teams.

USC has shown the ability to rally from deficits, overcoming a 21-10 second-half hole against Washington to win 25-21, and outlasting Penn State 31-23 in a hostile environment at Beaver Stadium. The defense made crucial plays in both games, including Jahkeem Stewart's 48-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Washington and Christian Pierce's forced fumble to seal the Penn State win. The team has also dealt with adversity, including a season-ending injury to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (not USC's injury, but a scary moment) and the suspension of linebacker Desman Stephens. The coaching staff, led by Lincoln Riley, has kept the team focused and motivated, and the players have responded. This resilience will be key as the Trojans face a tough remaining schedule.

USC sits at 6-1 (3-1 Big Ten) and is very much in the College Football Playoff hunt. The remaining schedule includes road games at Wisconsin (4-2), and home contests against Iowa (4-2), UCLA (3-3), and Notre Dame (5-2), plus a road trip to Oregon State (2-4). The toughest test left is likely the regular-season finale against Notre Dame, but the Trojans cannot afford to look past Wisconsin, a team that is 3-3 against the spread and has a solid defense. USC's offense should be able to move the ball against the Badgers, but the defense will need to contain Wisconsin's running game. If the Trojans can avoid a letdown and continue to improve on defense, they have a legitimate shot at reaching the Big Ten Championship Game and the playoff. However, the margin for error is slim, and the team's tendency to play close games could catch up with them.