No. 9 Indiana defeated No. 18 USC 27-13 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday ending the Trojans’ College Football Playoff hopes behind a seventh-year quarterback’s breakout performance and a decisive red-zone interception.
Grant Wilson completed 17 of 27 passes for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He made his first start for the Hoosiers since September 2024 at Old Dominion. Indiana (9–1, 6–1 Big Ten) turned interceptions into a victory that keeps the Hoosiers in position for the Big Ten championship game.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti wanted an aggressive game plan against a formidable opponent.
Grant Wilson signs off after a clutch performance to lead No. 9 @IndianaFootball to a 27-13 W over No. 18 USC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/39kKdXdDij
“We wanted to play to win and attack and not play with fear, and I think you saw that up until the very end,” Cignetti said.
Wilson Leads Indiana Offense
Curt Cignetti turned to Wilson after evaluating the quarterback position following an overtime win against Minnesota on Halloween night. With Josh Hoover managing injuries, Wilson delivered the Hoosiers’ most productive passing day in more than a year.
Bad losses don't count anymore? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Are first downs still 10 yards?🤡🤡🤡
Wilson stepped into the lineup after three seasons at Fordham followed by two years at Old Dominion. Across his career before Bloomington, Wilson had appeared in just 21 total games.
“It has been a long road,” Wilson said after the victory. “God’s so good. Looking back, my first year at Fordham, being here right now, it’s a blessing. I never thought I’d be here, but it is good to have a shot again.”
Indiana linebacker Jacob Savage was very, very involved in that last defensive #iufb drive, which ended in nothing more than another USC field goal. Savage is playing as much as he is in part because fellow linebacker Rolijah Hardy is not in action today. pic.twitter.com/JrqQWpbvyL
Wilson connected with Shazz Preston on a 47-yard pass in the opening quarter to set up a 13-yard touchdown throw to Brock Schott. He also completed a 65-yard pass to Nick Marsh. Wilson found Charlie Becker in single coverage for a 42-yard touchdown with 3:30 remaining to secure the win, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Charlie Becker finished the afternoon with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. He brought his season totals to 950 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.
The Isaiah Jones interception that put #iufb in prime position to close out this game with a win. pic.twitter.com/JFqaFdJtNT
“Just being with Grant, he feels and he looks so comfortable out there,” Becker told reporters, according to Sports Illustrated.
Red-Zone Defenses Decide Game
USC (7–3) reached the red zone five times during the afternoon but managed only one touchdown. The Trojans struggled to punch the ball across the goal line on multiple third-quarter drives, settling for a lone field goal. With the score tied 13-13 in the third quarter, running back Khobie Martin broke free for a 37-yard run before scoring on a 1-yard touchdown plunge to put Indiana ahead 20-13.
Indiana played without its leading rusher, Turbo Richard, who was sidelined due to an unspecified injury. Martin and other rushers helped the Hoosiers gain 110 rushing yards on 5.8 yards per carry after halftime.
The Trojans threatened again in the fourth quarter, reaching the Indiana 6-yard line while trailing by a touchdown. On second down, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw toward the end zone, where All-Big Ten linebacker Isaiah Jones intercepted the pass.
The Charlie Becker touchdown that all but confirmed that No. 9 Indiana would be the team to emerge victorious from its battle against No. 18 USC. #iufb pic.twitter.com/1WwEdkVNLz
“To get down there and to not get any points, it’s gotta be demoralizing,” Jones said. “I’m sure it weighs on their defense, on their offense, ‘We’re going to drive the whole field and not get any points.’ That’s what we pride ourselves on defense. Give us an inch and we’ll defend it. That’s what you saw tonight.”
“That was maybe the huge play of the night,” Cignetti said, according to The Journal Gazette.
Trojans Miss Playoffs
Jayden Maiava finished 26 of 42 passing for 311 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, as noted by Sporting News. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans will finish the season with at least three defeats and no playoff spot. USC dropped to 0-8 under Riley in games against ranked opponents played outside of Los Angeles.
Indiana advances to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. Games against Washington and Purdue remain on the schedule.
“We’ve had a lot of close games this year, but we always find a way,” Cignetti said, according to Inside the Hall.
Earlier coverage: Indiana Drops in College Football Playoff Rankings After Bye Week
GRANT TO CHARLIE OH MY GOODNESS. 🤯#IUFB 27, USC 13 | 3:30 4Q pic.twitter.com/ZiRwayP8AY
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BONES JONES SNAGS IT.#IUFB 20, USC 13 | 6:35 4Q pic.twitter.com/zKaszMBvrS