GAME RECAP: USC Stays Perfect After Stormy Showdown at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After a lightning delay of 3 hours and 15 minutes, USC wasted no time proving it could weather both the storm and the Purdue Boilermakers. In a game played under wet skies at Ross–Ade Stadium, the No. 12 Trojans pulled away late to secure a 33-17 win and improve to 3-0 on the year.

USC got the early momentum on special teams, with kicker Ryon Sayeri converting a 24-yard field goal to open the scoring. Moments later, the Trojan defense flipped the energy when safety Bishop Fitzgerald snagged an interception in the end zone to stall a Purdue drive.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava capped a methodical 10-play, 80-yard drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown to put USC up 10-0 early in the second quarter. Purdue responded with a 39-yard field goal by Spencer Porath, but the Trojans answered again. This time, running back Waymond Jordan punched in a 6-yard touchdown to finish a 13-play, 75-yard march. USC went into halftime in control, leading 17-3.

Sayeri extended the lead with a 37-yard kick to open the second half, but Purdue’s defense gave the Boilermakers life. On a broken trick play, USC’s Michael Jackson III scooped up a fumble and sprinted 8 yards for a Purdue touchdown, trimming the deficit to 20-10.

That momentum didn’t last long. Sayeri drilled a career-long 48-yard field goal, then the defense struck again. Defensive lineman Jamaal Jarett picked off Purdue QB Ryan Browne and returned it for a pick-six, giving USC a commanding 30-10 lead heading into the final quarter.

Purdue refused to quit, as Browne connected with receiver Nitro Tuggle for a 9-yard touchdown early in the fourth. Still, USC’s defense tightened the rest of the way, and Sayeri added his fourth field goal of the night – a 19-yarder – to close the scoring.

Turning Point

Just as Purdue looked like it might make a run in the third quarter after cutting the lead to 20-10, Jamaal Jarett’s pick-six ended the Boilermakers’ momentum. The defensive score pushed USC’s lead back to 20 and effectively sealed the game heading into the fourth.

Player of the Game

Ryon Sayeri, K, USC – The sophomore kicker was automatic in tough conditions, hitting all four of his field goals, including a career-long 48-yarder. His consistency kept USC in control and provided the cushion needed in a hostile road environment.

What’s Next

The Trojans leave West Lafayette with an impressive road win in their first Big Ten test of the year. Next up, USC returns home to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a primetime clash against fellow unbeaten Michigan State (3-0) in an 8 p.m. Big Ten showdown on FOX