News Summary
The USC Trojans celebrated their inaugural Big Ten win by defeating Purdue 33-17, marking their first victory east of the Rocky Mountains in over 13 years. Quarterback Jayden Maiava led the offense, throwing for 282 yards and a rushing touchdown, contributing to an impressive 460 yards from scrimmage. The Trojans’ defense shone with three interceptions and four sacks, solidifying their strong performance this season. Currently ranked No. 8 among undefeated college football teams, USC looks to maintain their momentum with an upcoming game against Michigan State.
West Lafayette, Indiana – The USC Trojans began their Big Ten journey with a significant victory, defeating Purdue 33-17. This win marks the Trojans’ first Big Ten win and their first triumph east of the Rocky Mountains in over 13 years, putting them at 1-0 in Big Ten play.
USC’s quarterback, Jayden Maiava, had an impressive performance, completing 17 of 28 passes for 282 yards and contributed with a rushing touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Overall, USC’s offense totaled 460 yards from scrimmage during the game. This season, the Trojans have demonstrated their scoring prowess by accumulating a combined total of 151 points over three games.
Despite facing various injuries, including key players such as freshman defensive back Alex Graham and wide receivers Zacharyus Williams and Prophet Brown, USC adapted by moving players around in the lineup. Kamari Ramsey stepped into the nickel position while Christian Pierce and Bishop Fitzgerald took over safety roles. DeCarlos Nicholson started at cornerback, with DJ Harvey and Braylon Conley sharing time in the defensive backfield.
USC’s offensive strategy has also evolved. The team has utilized more 12 personnel than in any previous season under head coach Lincoln Riley, leveraging its depth. Key offensive players such as Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon were crucial as they spent a majority of snaps with the first team this week, contributing significantly to the victory. Jaden Richardson has emerged as a noteworthy run blocker, enhancing the running game. In previous outings, starting running back Waymond Jordan excelled in week two against Georgia Southern, rushing for 167 yards with one touchdown.
The Trojans’ defense was a cornerstone of their success against Purdue, tallying three interceptions, four sacks, and forcing three turnovers in the red zone. These efforts underline the team’s commitment to defensive improvement, as USC has allowed an average of 18.0 points per game this season, a notable decrease from last season’s average of 29.2 points per game. Additionally, USC has restricted opponents to an average of 72 rushing yards allowed per game, while achieving 10 sacks across the first three games. The defense has also held opponents to under 40 percent on third down conversions.
Currently, the Trojans are recognized for their strong performance, with ESPN’s Bill Connelly ranking them No. 8 among undefeated college football teams, placing them fourth among Big Ten teams, only behind Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State.
Looking ahead, USC will host Michigan State at the Coliseum for their next matchup on Saturday night, aiming to continue their positive momentum in the Big Ten this season.
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Additional Resources
- On3: Player Grades and Playing Time for USC Trojans Against Purdue
- Wikipedia: USC Trojans Football
- SI: USC Trojans Playmaking Defense Boosts Top 10 Spot
- Google Search: USC Trojans
- 247Sports: Top Offensive PFF Grades USC Football vs. Purdue
- Google Scholar: USC Football
- College Football News: Michigan State vs. USC Prediction Preview 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- USCTrojans.com: Game Recap USC Trojans vs Purdue
- Google News: USC Football News
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