GAME RECAP: Trojans Comeback Falls Short in Champaign on Game-Winning Field Goal

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a Midwest clash that went down to the wire, the No. 21 USC Trojans stormed back from a 14-point deficit to take the lead late, but No. 23 Illinois had the final word as kicker David Olano drilled a 41-yard field goal in the closing seconds to hand USC a 34–32 defeat on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

First Quarter – Illinois capitalizes early

The Trojans received the opening kickoff, but the Illini defense immediately flipped momentum. Linebacker Jaheim Clark stripped USC running back Waymond Jordan, setting up Illinois with prime field position. Quarterback Luke Altmyer capitalized, finishing a 10-play, 70-yard drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown for a 7–0 lead.

Jordan redeemed himself later in the quarter, capping a 79-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to even the score at 7–7 with 1:22 left in the first.

Second Quarter – Trick play swings momentum

Illinois regained the lead with creativity. On a double reverse Philly Special, wide receiver Hank Beaty connected with Altmyer for a touchdown, completing an 11-play, 75-yard drive to make it 14–7.

Clark came up clutch again with a 4th-down pass breakup, stalling another USC drive. But the Trojans defense kept it close, forcing a red-zone fumble from running back Kaden Feagin, recovered by Jahkeem Stewart.

With under a minute in the half, Jayden Maiava found Makai Lemon to set up Ryon Sayeri’s 21-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 14–10 at halftime.

Third Quarter – Illini extend lead

Illinois pushed the margin to 17–10 on a 45-yard Olano field goal. Minutes later, Dylan Rosiak intercepted Maiava, USC’s second turnover of the game. Feagin then broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run, giving the Illini a 24–10 cushion.

USC responded with a spark, as Maiava hit Lemon deep before freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet broke loose for a big run to set up Jordan’s second touchdown, cutting the lead to 24–17 entering the fourth.

Fourth Quarter – Back-and-forth battle

Altmyer connected with Justin Bowick for a 29-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 31–17. The Trojans fought back behind Lemon, as Maiava found him on a 19-yard touchdown and again on the two-point try to make it 31–25.

USC’s defense came up huge again, forcing a second red-zone fumble. Maiava went right back to Lemon, who caught an 18-yarder before hauling in a 16-yard touchdown to give USC its first lead, 32–31, with 1:55 remaining.

Illinois answered in the final minute. Altmyer drove the Illini into range, and Olano calmly drilled the 41-yard game-winner with 41 seconds left to seal the 34–32 victory.

Key Performers

• Makai Lemon (USC): Breakout performance with multiple touchdowns and a two-point conversion.
• Waymond Jordan (USC): Two rushing scores, rebounding from early fumble.
• Luke Altmyer (Illinois): Three total touchdowns (passing, rushing, receiving) plus the game-winning drive.
• Illinois Defense: Forced three turnovers, led by Jaheim Clark’s strip and key deflections.

What’s Next

The Trojans (4–1) head into their bye week before returning home to face Michigan on October 11 at the Coliseum.