LOS ANGELES — The Southern California Trojans shocked No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday night, securing a 30-18 upset at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum that sent thousands of fans rushing onto the field in celebration.
The victory gave USC head coach Lincoln Riley his first triumph over a top-five ranked team since 2017, when he led Oklahoma past Ohio State, USA TODAY Sports reported. The result lifted USC to 7-2 on the season, just seven days after a 27-7 road loss to Wisconsin had escalated scrutiny surrounding Riley’s tenure.
Fast Start Puts Buckeyes on Defense
USC wasted no time taking control of the contest. On just the second offensive snap from scrimmage, quarterback Jayden Maiava found receiver Trent Mosley for a 69-yard touchdown strike to claim an immediate 7-0 lead, according to WHIO. The Trojans expanded the margin to 14-3 by the conclusion of the first quarter.
Maiava completed 15 of 22 pass attempts for 222 yards with one interception, while USC added 116 rushing yards and two scores on 27 attempts, USA TODAY Sports reported. Mosley also provided a spark on special teams, returning a punt deep into Ohio State territory after Buckeye penalties, according to Trojans Wire.
Ohio State repeatedly moved into scoring range during the opening half but could not punch the ball into the end zone, settling for three field goals to trail 20-9 at intermission, WHIO reported. USC kicker Ryon Sayeri helped maintain distance with a 54-yard field goal in the second quarter, according to Trojans Wire.
Defensive Stands and Costly Mistakes
The Buckeyes played without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who was sidelined indefinitely after injuring his throwing arm against Indiana on Oct. 17, USA TODAY Sports reported. True freshman Luke Fahey earned his first career start, completing 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, according to WHIO.
Ohio State struggled with critical mistakes throughout the night, including false start penalties in short-yardage territory and a lost fumble forced by USC defender Desman Stephens, Trojans Wire reported. King Miller extended USC’s cushion to 27-9 with a 1-yard touchdown plunge in the third quarter.
The Buckeyes finally breached the end zone with 2:12 left in the game when Fahey connected with Jeremiah Smith on a 1-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 27-18, WHIO reported. Smith finished the night with 10 receptions for 83 yards. However, USC stopped the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, recovered an onside kick, and added a final field goal after running down Ohio State’s remaining timeouts.
What Comes Next
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day voiced clear frustration following the defeat, which dropped the Buckeyes to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten, Buckeyes Wire reported.
Both programs now face crucial tests down the stretch:
- Ohio State returns home to Columbus to host the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Nov. 7.
- USC enters an off week before traveling to face No. 4 Indiana on Nov. 14, followed by games against Maryland and No. 7 UCLA.
