USC’s undefeated season came to an abrupt halt Saturday afternoon as the Trojans experienced a fourth-quarter upset and fell 34-32 to Illinois on a walk-off field goal at Memorial Stadium.
For No. 21 USC (4-1, 2-1), the loss was as much about self-inflicted mistakes as it was about the opponent. The Trojans matched Illinois (4-1, 1-1) nearly yard for yard and held the ball longer, but two turnovers and 11 costly penalties overshadowed a strong offensive showing.
USC redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 364 yards and two touchdowns, both to junior wide receiver Makai Lemon, who delivered excellent stats with 151 receiving yards. Junior running back Waymond Jordan added two rushing scores, redeeming himself after an early first quarter fumble that gifted Illinois its first touchdown.
The Trojans looked to seize momentum in the second quarter when Lemon broke free for what appeared to be a 75-yard touchdown. Instead, a penalty brought the play back, forcing USC to turn the ball over on downs. That moment proved symbolic of the afternoon — flashes of brilliance clouded by lapses in execution.
After falling behind 24-10 in the third quarter, USC clawed its way back into the game. Maiava and backup freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet kept the Illinois defense off balance, setting up Jordan’s second touchdown. On the last offensive drive for USC, Maiava threw two complete passes to Lemon, the second of which was a touchdown pass that gave USC its first lead of the game, 32-31, with under two minutes left.
But issues with penalties resurfaced at the worst time. A defensive pass interference call extended Illinois’ final drive, setting up the Illini’s winning 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining.
The defeat exposed both USC’s potential and its vulnerabilities. While the Trojans’ offense continues to find playmakers, penalties and missed opportunities have been a recurring issue.
Now, the Trojans head into a bye week at a critical time. USC will have two weeks to regroup before returning to the Coliseum to host the Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 11, seeking to reassert itself in Big Ten play and prove that Saturday’s collapse was only a stumble, not a step back.