GAME RECAP: USC Defeats Northwestern Behind Maiava’s Three-Touchdown Night

LOS ANGELES, CA – The USC Trojans (6-2) showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience on Saturday, pulling away from the Northwestern Wildcats (5-4) for a 38-17 win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Quarterback Jayden Maiava orchestrated a balanced attack, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another, while the Trojans’ ground game racked up 173 yards and three scores. USC never trailed after the first quarter, answering every Northwestern push to secure their second straight victory.

The Trojans struck first on their opening possession, marching 82 yards in 16 plays over 7:14. Maiava capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Makai Lemon, who hauled in the slant route for the early 7-0 lead at the 7:46 mark of the first quarter. Ryon Sayeri’s extra point was good.

Northwestern responded swiftly, tying the game at 7-7 with 45 seconds left in the opening period. Quarterback Preston Stone led a 13-play, 75-yard drive, finding tight end Griffin Wilde on a 4-yard touchdown pass. Jack Olsen’s kick knotted the score.

USC reclaimed the advantage early in the second quarter. Maiava scrambled for a 6-yard touchdown run at the 11:27 mark, finishing a 9-play, 58-yard series. Sayeri’s PAT made it 14-7.

The Wildcats evened it again at 14-14 midway through the quarter. Running back Caleb Komolafe powered in from 2 yards out, concluding a 7-play, 75-yard drive at 7:26. Olsen’s extra point tied the game.

The Trojans delivered a dagger before halftime. With 1:24 remaining, running back King Miller burst up the middle for a 12-yard touchdown run on a 3-play, 80-yard drive that took just 1:23. Sayeri’s kick pushed USC ahead 21-14 at the break.

The second half belonged to USC. On the Trojans’ first possession of the third quarter, Maiava connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a 10-yard touchdown pass at 7:56, capping an 8-play, 91-yard march. Sayeri extended the lead to 28-14.

Northwestern cut the deficit to 28-17 late in the third on Olsen’s 33-yard field goal at 0:17, the result of a 12-play, 60-yard drive that consumed 7:39.

USC answered immediately in the fourth. Lemon scored his second touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run at 11:14, polishing off a 7-play, 75-yard drive. Sayeri’s PAT made it 35-17.

The Trojans added a 22-yard field goal from Sayeri at 4:40, following an 8-play, 49-yard drive, to seal the 38-17 victory.

USC stays home next weekend and will host the Iowa Hawkeyes at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 15 on the Big Ten Network.