USC’s CFP Hopes Crumble in Crushing Loss to Indiana
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No. 18 USC lost to No. 9 Indiana on Saturday by a score of 27-13, effectively ending their hopes at making the College Football Playoff.
The Trojans struggled throughout the entire game, but managed to claw themselves level with the Hoosiers by halftime. A second half collapse sunk them, though, as they failed to find the end zone throughout the second half.
With their loss, USC is now 1-8 against ranked opponents under head coach Lincoln Riley.
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How Did the USC Lose?
The game didn’t start well for USC on Saturday, as a five-minute drive ended in a missed field goal to kick off the first quarter.
Immediately afterwards, Indiana marched down the field with help from a 47-yard reception, and scored the first touchdown of the day to take a seven-point lead.
USC managed a field goal on the ensuing drive, a fairly disappointing result given their multiple chances in the red zone. Neither team scored again until after the two-minute warning at the end of the half, when Indiana scored a field goal of their own to take a 10-3 lead.
After a three-and-out, the Trojans managed an interception and a 51-yard completion brought them within 10 yards of a tie game. They managed to find the end zone with just 23 seconds on the clock in the second quarter, entering halftime in a level game.
Indiana got the ball at the start of the third quarter, and retook the lead after converting their second field goal of the day. USC didn’t let them pull away just yet, though, as they responded with a field goal of their own. After they scored, though, Indiana took over the game.
A 26-yard catch followed by a 38-yard rip gave the hosts a seven points lead, and another missed USC missed field goal kept them at arm’s length at the start of the third quarter. They nearly found the end zone in their next drive, but the Hoosiers’ defense forced a turnover on their own six-yard line.
Indiana went on to score a touchdown via a 42-yard reception on the ensuing drive, and they picked off quarterback Jayden Maiava once more to put the game to bed.
Maiava threw for 311 yards and a touchdown on the day, but his three interceptions proved costly as USC fell. Trent Mosley was his top receiver on the day, catching nine passes for 130 yards. USC struggled to convert on third down throughout the contest, moving the sticks just twice on third down throughout the game, and scored on only one of their five red-zone possessions.
Now, at 7-3, the Trojans’ chances at making the CFP are slim to none, and have to win both of their final games to even have a chance at making the dance. Their next game comes against Maryland next Saturday at 33:15 p.m. PT.
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