No. 18 USC falls to No. 9 Indiana as playoff hopes fade
Los Angeles Times • • sports
Key Points:
- USC's hopes for a College Football Playoff berth were dashed after a 27-13 loss to No. 9 Indiana, with key mistakes including red-zone inefficiency and a crucial fourth-quarter interception by quarterback Jayden Maiava.
- Despite gaining 409 yards and multiple red-zone opportunities, USC managed only two field goals and one touchdown, highlighting ongoing struggles in converting scoring chances.
- The Trojans' defense had mixed success, limiting Indiana to 181 first-half yards but allowing several big plays that ultimately shifted momentum.
- Indiana capitalized on USC's errors, including a goal-line interception and penalties, to secure the victory and likely eliminate USC from playoff and Big Ten championship contention.
- Coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged progress but emphasized the need for improvement in closing out games, as USC falls to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in conference play.
