USC Stuns No. 2 Ohio State in Riley’s Biggest Win

USC answered a dispiriting loss at Wisconsin with a 30-18 upset of No. 2 Ohio State on October 31, delivering the biggest win of Lincoln Riley’s tenure as Trojans coach. The victory came at the Coliseum, where fans rushed onto the field after the final whistle.

Freshman Trent Mosley set the tone with a 69-yard touchdown reception on USC’s second play. He finished with 101 receiving yards on five catches. Jayden Maiava threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, while King Miller and Waymond Jordan each ran for a score. USC led 20-9 at halftime.

Ohio State, with starting quarterback Julian Sayin sidelined by injury, started freshman Luke Fahey. The Buckeyes gained 464 yards but managed only field goals through most of the game, as USC’s defense kept them out of the end zone for the first 57 minutes. A second-half fumble by Isaiah West set up a 70-yard catch-and-run by tight end Mark Bowman and Miller’s touchdown, pushing USC’s lead to 27-9.

Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith scored late, but the Buckeyes failed on a two-point attempt. USC recovered the ensuing onside kick and added a field goal. Smith had 83 receiving yards and a touchdown; Fahey passed for 260 yards.

At 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play, USC has a bye before visiting No. 4 Indiana on November 14. Ohio State, now 6-2, is scheduled to host Oregon next. A win over Indiana could strengthen the Trojans’ playoff case.