USC beats Ohio State, aims to stay in CFP race before Indiana clash
After a 30-18 victory over No. 1 Ohio State, USC improves to 7-2 and looks to secure a College Football Playoff spot with a win at Indiana.
USC rebounded from a loss to Wisconsin with a 30-18 win over top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday, moving its record to 7-2 and earning a bye week before traveling to Bloomington to face No. 4 Indiana. The Trojans' performance, highlighted by strong play from quarterback Jayden Maiava and a defense that limited Ohio State in the red zone, revived their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff.
If USC can hand Indiana its second loss, the Trojans could re-enter CFP consideration. Indiana, coming off an overtime win against Minnesota, will look to improve its own standing after a bye week that may allow quarterback Grant Wilson more time with starters or give Josh Hoover additional health recovery.
USC's road record in Big Ten play over the past three seasons has been 5-7, and the team has struggled away from Los Angeles, including a recent loss at Wisconsin and a close game at Penn State. The upcoming matchup in Bloomington is viewed as a pivotal test for head coach Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC.
The article also provides a weekly Big Ten power ranking, placing UCLA at No. 1, Indiana at No. 2, and USC at No. 3, while noting Ohio State's drop to fourth after the loss. Other conference teams such as Iowa, Northwestern, and Minnesota are discussed in the context of their upcoming games and potential impact on the playoff picture.