Football

Instant Recap: Indiana 27, USC 13

Alex Bozich
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Grant Wilson attempts a pass against USC.
J. Scott Photography

Quick thoughts on IU football’s 27-13 win against USC at Memorial Stadium in front of 54,336 fans:

Key moments

Grant Wilson leads touchdown drive on IU’s first possession

Wilson, making his first start at quarterback at Indiana and first start since the 2024 season at Old Dominion, marched the Hoosiers right down the field on his first drive.

After USC missed a field goal on the opening possession of the game, Wilson led a six-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brock Schott.

Wilson completed two passes for 60 yards on the drive, which took just 2:19. Nico Radicic nailed the extra point to give IU a 7-0 lead.

Zachman’s interception sets up Nico Radicic 21-yard field goal

Indiana safety Preston Zachman’s interception of USC quarterback Jayden Maiava at the 5:33 mark of the second quarter set the Hoosiers up with strong field position.

Indiana, however, could only manage a field goal after starting at the USC 32-yard line.

Nico Radicic, who missed his first field goal attempt from 44 yards on IU’s previous possession, made a 21-yard attempt to give the Hoosiers a 10-3 lead with 1:48 remaining in the second quarter.

Grant Wilson’s interception leads to USC touchdown late in the second quarter

As the Hoosiers looked to extend their lead with just under a minute left in the second quarter, Grant Wilson’s pass attempt intended for Shazz Preston was tipped and intercepted by Deven Bryant.

On its first play after the turnover, Maiava’s 51-yard pass to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt got the Trojans deep into IU territory.

Two plays later, Maiava’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Zacharyus Williams made it a 10-9 game. USC made the extra point to tie it at 10 at the half.

Khobie Martin’s explosive run sets up second IU touchdown

After the Hoosiers and Trojans traded field goals in the third quarter to make it 13-all, Indiana responded with a quick touchdown strike.

A 26-yard completion from Wilson to Charlie Becker on the drive’s second play got the Hoosiers into Trojan territory.

After a 7-yard completion to Martin, the Hoosiers fed him again and his 37-yard run to the 1-yard line set the Hoosiers up in the redzone. Martin then finished the drive with his first touchdown run of the season. An extra point by Radicic gave IU a 20-13 lead with 2:39 remaining in the third quarter.

Isaiah Jones interception ends USC’s drive, Becker’s TD catch seals the victory

USC looked poised to tie the game as it drove deep into IU territory midway through the fourth quarter.

On second and six from the IU six yard line, Isaiah Jones intercepted Maiava’s pass intended for Dixon-Wyatt, giving the Hoosiers possession at their seven.

IU’s ensuing drive ended with a 42-yard touchdown strike from Wilson to Becker to make it 27-13 IU with 3:30 to play.

Offensive standouts

Wilson finished with 305 passing yards, completing 17 of his 27 attempts. He had three touchdowns and an interception.

Schott and Becker (three catches, 75 yards) each had a touchdown catch and Nick Marsh had four catches for 80 yards. Shazz Preston made three catches for 71 yards.

Martin had 12 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown and Lee Beebe Jr. had 16 carries for 71 yards. The Hoosiers finished with 146 rushing yards.

Defensive standouts

The Hoosiers had three interceptions, one by Zachman, Jones and Jamari Sharpe. IU also held USC under 100 rushing yards (98).

Freshman Jacob Savage led the Hoosiers with 13 tackles, including one for a loss. Zachman had 10 tackles.

What’s next for the Hoosiers

Indiana travels to Seattle to take on Washington on Saturday at Husky Stadium. A kickoff time and TV designation will be announced on Sunday.

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