Just when it looked like No. 18 USC was toast after a brutal 24-7 loss at Wisconsin, they flipped the script and absolutely smoked Ohio State, winning 30-18. Seriously, they *rolled* them! Now, at 7-2, with CFP No. 9 Indiana and No. 8 UCLA still on the schedule, USC is in total control of their playoff destiny. A 10-2 Trojan team with two top-ten wins in the final three games would absolutely be in the College Football Playoff picture, and that’s the kind of high-stakes football we’re talking about right now. But hold up, No. 9 Indiana isn’t just going to roll over; they are 8-1 for a reason and are coming off a well-timed bye week. This is shaping up to be a knockdown, drag-out fight in Bloomington.
USC’s Playoff Dream Is Real, But Is Their Offense Ready?
The Trojans are playing with fire right now, riding that massive win over Ohio State straight into a showdown with the Hoosiers this Saturday. Their path to the CFP is clear: keep winning. With the offense, there’s a lot to like. USC’s passing game? Good enough. And Jayden Maiava, their veteran quarterback, is a smart, tough dude who keeps hitting his throws, leading the Big Ten’s best third-down offense. Plus, their punting game is strong, which is huge for field position. But let’s be real, the ground game can be a total mixed bag. Remember when Wisconsin stuffed them for negative 18 yards rushing? Yikes. If they want to keep this CFP dream alive, that inconsistent run game needs to step up big time against a seriously good Indiana defense.
Indiana’s D Is the Real Deal, Can Their Offense Keep Up?
Don’t let the 8-1 record fool you, the Hoosiers are finding ways to win even when their offense isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard. They haven’t scored more than 20 points in regulation since early October, which is wild for a top-ten team. They’re not playing with the same offensive swagger as last year, and the passing game isn’t as dominant. But who cares when your defense is playing out of its mind? Their run defense is legitimately outstanding, ranked fourth-best in the entire nation, allowing just 2.3 yards per carry overall. And get this: they haven’t given up a single rushing touchdown in the last three games! That’s insane. Even with potential question marks at QB, with Grant Wilson or Josh Hoover possibly under center, and star running back Turbo Richard banged up, their defensive front is primed to keep this season rolling.
So, here we go. It’s the fifth meeting ever between these two teams, and the first since USC joined the Big Ten. USC has won all four previous matchups, including the 1968 Rose Bowl. But this Indiana team is different. They’ve got a week off under their belt, they find ways to win, and that defense is on another level. The oddsmakers are leaning Indiana’s way, predicting a 26-17 Hoosiers win. USC faces Maryland next, while Indiana travels to Washington before finishing with Purdue. This Saturday, November 14, at 3:30 PM ET on CBS, it’s all on the line. Can USC keep their CFP hopes burning, or will Indiana’s defense shut the door? You do not want to miss this!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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