USC's stunning upset over No. 2 Ohio State saves Lincoln Riley from Halloween disaster

USC’s remarkable upset victory over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has spared Lincoln Riley from a Halloween disaster. Jayden Maiava delivered a stellar performance, passing for 222 yards and one touchdown, while Trent Mosley amassed an impressive 145 all-purpose yards. Mosley opened the scoring with a 69-yard touchdown run just 39 seconds into the game, followed by a 44-yard punt return for another score and a 14-yard reception to extend the lead to 14-3.

USC further extended their advantage to 17-6 with a 54-yard field goal by Ryon Sayeri. Despite Ohio State’s Connor Hawkins converting field goals of 39, 34, and 23 yards during the first half, the Trojans took control after halftime, leading 20-9. USC’s Maiava completed 15 of 22 passes, while Mosley added 101 yards on five catches.

Later in the third quarter, USC further extended their lead after Ohio State’s West fumbled, recovering the ball at the Buckeyes’ 32-yard line. Maiava connected with Mark Bowman on a 70-yard catch-and-run, setting up King Miller’s touchdown run to make it 27-9. Luke Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown for Ohio State.

Jeremiah Smith contributed significantly with 10 catches for 83 yards and a 1-yard touchdown in the final moments of the game. Following Ohio State’s failed two-point conversion, USC’s Tanook Hines scooped up the onside kick and returned it 24 yards to the Ohio State 21. Tight end Caden Chittenden sealed the victory with a 32-yard field goal with just 1:46 left on the clock.