No. 17 Southern California might be out to maintain a slender give attention to No. 21 Iowa this Saturday in Los Angeles, understanding {that a} victory will proceed to make the larger image come to life.
The Trojans (7-2, 5-1 Huge Ten) will want some assist to get into the Huge Ten championship recreation, however by profitable their final three video games — towards Iowa, Oregon and UCLA — a spot within the School Soccer Playoff could be there for the taking.
Overlooking the Hawkeyes, although, with a date towards Oregon subsequent, would spoil future plans.
Since falling 34-24 at Notre Dame on Oct. 18, USC bought again into Huge Ten play with victories over Nebraska on Nov. 1 and Northwestern at house Friday when the Trojans pulled away within the second half for a 38-17 victory.
Jayden Maiava accomplished 24 of 33 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, whereas vast receiver Makai Lemon had 11 receptions for 161 yards and a landing, in addition to a speeding TD. Stroll-on working again King Miller gained 127 yards with a TD.
USC’s protection recovered a pair of fumbles and gave up simply 28 speeding yards within the second half whereas permitting three factors over the ultimate two quarters.
“We all know the extra we win, the larger these alternatives get,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley stated. “We have got some large ones arising which might be large as a result of we have made them large. And so I believe for the group, simply ensuring they perceive that, they perceive how arduous it’s to get thus far in any yr, the place you might have in entrance of us what we do.”
If Ohio State and Indiana win out, these groups will meet within the Huge Ten title recreation. But when USC wins out and Ohio State falls to rival Michigan, the Trojans would board a flight for Indianapolis subsequent month. That is only one exterior state of affairs that might assist USC down the stretch.
The Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2) dropped an 18-16 heartbreaker at house to No. 9 Oregon on Saturday. All three of their losses this season have come to ranked groups, as they fell to Iowa State on Sept. 6 and misplaced to present CFP No. 2 Indiana 20-15 three weeks later.
Iowa took a 16-15 lead over Oregon with lower than two minutes remaining after a 3-yard landing run from Mark Gronowski off a quarterback draw, however the Geese bought a 39-yard area purpose from Atticus Sappington with three seconds left.
“We got here up a bit brief, however pleased with our group’s effort and the best way we competed definitely,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz stated. “Powerful loss. Plenty of little issues that we will have to determine, do some bit higher at, however crucial factor for our group is that they perceive there’s lots to be pleased with.”
For the Hawkeyes to have an opportunity of their second-ever convention go to to the L.A. space (they misplaced 20-17 at UCLA final season), they seemingly should lean right into a protection that’s third within the Huge Ten with 13.7 factors allowed per recreation. USC leads the convention with 503.2 yards gained on offense per recreation.
–Area Stage Media
