The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Wilson Throws for 305 Yards as No. 9 Indiana Beats No. 18 USC 27-13
By Piper Rampage
Photo: ZCash1104 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — No. 9 Indiana intercepted USC quarterback Jayden Maiava three times and used a late 42-yard touchdown pass from Grant Wilson to Charlie Becker to secure a 27-13 victory over the No. 18 Trojans at Memorial Stadium. Indiana improved to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten, while USC fell to 7-3 and 4-3.
Wilson made his first start at Indiana and his first start since 2024 after being selected over Josh Hoover in a game-time decision. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 305 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Indiana struck first on its opening drive. A six-play, 65-yard possession was set up by a 47-yard completion to Shazz Preston, and Wilson finished it with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brock Schott. USC answered with a first-quarter field goal, and the teams entered the second quarter with Indiana ahead 7-3.
The Trojans took a 10-10 tie into halftime when Maiava connected with Zacharyus Williams for a 7-yard touchdown with 21 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The scoring drive followed an interception thrown by Wilson.
The teams were tied 13-13 in the third quarter before Indiana moved back in front, with Nico Radicic’s extra point making it 20-13 with 2:39 left in the period.
The decisive defensive play came with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. USC had reached inside Indiana’s 10-yard line, but Isaiah Jones intercepted Maiava at the Indiana 1, ending the Trojans’ opportunity to tie the game.
Indiana followed with a seven-play, 93-yard drive that began at its own 7-yard line on third-and-3. Wilson found Becker for a 42-yard touchdown with 3:30 left, sealing the 27-13 result. Becker finished with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, while Nick Marsh had four catches for 80 yards.
USC topped 400 yards of total offense but converted only 2 of 11 third downs. Indiana’s three interceptions of Maiava helped keep the Trojans from turning their yardage into a closer finish.
The victory was Indiana’s first over a ranked opponent this season. The Hoosiers remained alone in second place in the Big Ten behind UCLA.
Piper Rampage
College Football, The Library Media
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