No. 9 Indiana ends No. 18 USC's chances of making the College Football Playoff in 27-13 win

Key Points:

• USC's red-zone struggles were evident in their 27-13 loss to No. 9 Indiana, as they managed only three points from three drives inside the 10-yard line in the second half.
• Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw three interceptions, including a critical pick at the Indiana 6-yard line that led to a touchdown, effectively ending USC's comeback hopes.
• Indiana's offense, led by backup QB Grant Wilson, scored on three of four second-half drives, with key contributions from RBs Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr., helping the Hoosiers break a recent scoring drought.
• USC remains winless (0-8) under coach Lincoln Riley in games against ranked teams played outside Los Angeles and is guaranteed at least three losses this season, highlighting their struggles on the road since joining the Big Ten.
• USC's overall inconsistency, especially in red-zone efficiency (82% scoring rate, ranked 89th nationally) and difficulty performing well on both offense and defense against strong opponents, underscores their lack of College Football Playoff contention.