USC vs Iowa — as it happened
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Scoring plays
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Teo Gonzales / Daily Trojan
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Sean Campbell from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; photos by Teo Gonzales
Football overcomes two-score deficit on Homecoming to keep CFP hopes alive against Iowa
Going into halftime Saturday, No. 17 USC football was down 21-10 to a notoriously stout No. 21 Iowa defense, a team that is also well-known for burning clock and inciting low-scoring affairs. While the rain hadn’t appeared to directly impact the game significantly, the crowd was dormant for a Homecoming affair and superstar redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava hadn’t gotten hot.
As the rain slowed down late in the second quarter and into the second half, the Trojan offense emerged and a new form of rain took over Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: big chunk throws from Maiava.
That exciting, high-powered offensive play lit up the crowd that was filled with hundreds of screaming fans in yellow ponchos and a group of well over 100 shirtless fans, who swarmed an empty section behind the end zone, waving their shirts around and screaming despite the intensifying rain hitting their bare backs.
Maiava connected with junior wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane 17 times for a combined 218 yards that propelled multiple second-half drives in a massive comeback that was capped off by a 1-yard rushing touchdown for sophomore running back Bryan Jackson to give USC (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten) the 26-21 win over the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3). Had the Trojans lost the game, their hopes for an at-large College Football Playoff berth with two losses would have been shattered.
Further reading:
- The Trojans are coming off a 38-17 victory against Northwestern that saw its passing and on-the-ground offense reawaken. One of the pivotal plays of that game was a controversial fake punt that the Big Ten said should have been penalized.
- Today’s game against a powerful Hawkeye defense is do-or-die, and comes at a time when USC is due to decide its future in the conference it joined last season given its proposed new investment deal.
3:39 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
That’s game. USC earned a first-down on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on an Iowa assistant coach and the Trojans now need to burn just a minute off the clock while the Hawkeyes are defenseless with no timeouts.
3:33 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
A 9-yard completion to Lemon gave USC a first down, however, because it happened so quickly the Trojans will still need another one to secure the win as Iowa still has a timeout remaining. Either way, it would take a miracle for a Hawkeye comeback.
3:31 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
On fourth-and-6, Gronowski went deep to Wetjen, who had torched sophomore safety Kennedy Urlacher for most of the play. However, Urlacher made a do-or-die effort to push Wetjen out of bounds which was ultimately successful despite an official review, giving USC the ball back with a chance to run out the clock and secure the win.
One Trojan first down will likely clinch the come-from-behind win.
3:25 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
A fumble that was recovered by sophomore defensive tackle Jide Abasiri deep in Iowa territory was called back by offsetting penalties, though the Trojan defense forced a fourth-and-2 attempt on the Hawkeye 18-yard line with about seven minutes to play.
Iowa converted the critical fourth down and is now encroaching on USC territory after a 21-yard reception from Wetjen.
3:18 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Despite having the crowd behind them, including a group of more than 100 shirtless fans waving their shirts in the stands, Maiava and company were forced to punt for the first time this half. Iowa will take over with the ball on its own 10-yard line.
3:16 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Running backwards and hurling what appeared to be a no-look pass, Maiava got the ball in the area of Lane who was then fouled by a Hawkeye defender to give USC a first down on third-and-8. The Trojans are knocking on the door of Iowa territory and are about two big plays from field goal range.
3:12 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
With the crowd about as loud as it has been at the Coliseum all season, the Trojan defense came up with a massive third-down stop to force an Iowa three-and-out. USC will take over on its own 26-yard line with a chance to make it a two-score game and put all the pressure on the Hawkeyes, who once seemed poised to win this game.
As a sign of the energy that has engulfed this Homecoming contest, a contingent of roughly 60 male students have removed their shirts and are waving them around in an empty section to the right of the student section. The group continues to gain in numbers as fans swarm from the rest of the stands to join in the jumping and celebrating despite the rain.
3:06 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Even the Trojan sideline engaged in the most widespread “swag-surf” of the season as the once-hopeless Homecoming game has completely turned on its head in the second half of play. Despite the rainy conditions, the Coliseum’s torch is still lit, and so are USC’s hopes for a CFP berth with most of the fourth quarter to play.
3:04 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
TOUCHDOWN TROJANS.
On third-and-1 inside the red zone, redshirt senior tight end Lake McRee hauled in a sideline grab to set up Jackson for his second rushing touchdown of the game, this time from one yard out. The touchdown, and Sayeri’s ensuing point after gave the Trojans a 26-21 lead — their first of the game.
There are about 13 and a half minutes left in the game, so the Hawkeyes will still have plenty of chances, but the momentum rests squarely in USC’s camp.
3:01 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Maiava, Trojans storm back in third quarter; Iowa still up 21-19
Down 21-10 at halftime to an Iowa team known for its ability to play defense and take time off the clock, it wasn’t looking good for USC.
But, as what was once a downpour turned into an occasional sprinkle, redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava kept the feeling of a rainy game with a barrage of big-time completions to both junior wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. Now, heading into the final 15 minutes of play, USC is only down by two points at 21-19 and has the ball in the red zone after an interception from freshman defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart.
Maiava has completed 20-of-28 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown. Lemon has 139 yards and a touchdown on eight catches while Lane has 65 on seven receptions.
Iowa and graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski hardly got anything going in the third quarter, punting once and being prepared to punt before the third-down interception. All the momentum is with the Trojans, fueled by the increasingly loud Homecoming crowd.
2:57 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Freshman wide receiver Tanook Hines was essentially tackled in the end zone for a defensive pass interference call, bringing USC into the red zone at the 16-yard line with 29 seconds to go in the third quarter.
2:55 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
On third-and-5, Gronowski rolled right and threw a pass that bounced off Gill right into the hands of freshman defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart for the first interception of his collegiate career. The Trojans will take over with the ball at Iowa’s 40-yard line as a sea of fans donning yellow ponchos cheered loudly for one of the first times in this game. That marks the 10th Trojan pick this season.
2:48 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
TOUCHDOWN TROJANS.
With hardly a literal raindrop in sight, Maiava has started a downpour of massive throws. And both Lemon and Lane have been there to catch them.
Lemon, surrounded by two defenders and getting pulled to the ground, leaped up and grabbed a 12-yard touchdown grab just one play after Lane caught a 14-yarder of his own. The Trojan two-point try failed so Iowa is still up 21-19, but all the momentum is with the home team.
Maiava has now completed 18-of-26 passes for 219 yards. Maiava’s connections to both Lemon and Lane were critical on the 82-yard touchdown drive that only took about four minutes off the clock.
2:45 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Both Ramsey and Paige were seen coming out of the locker room without helmets and appear unlikely to return to the game. Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Tobias Raymond has slid over to left tackle to replace Paige while redshirt freshman offensive lineman Kaylon Miller has taken most of the reps at left guard.
2:43 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
On the second play of the drive, after sophomore defensive back Zach Lutmer sniffed out a trick play to tackle Lemon for a one-yard gain, Lemon hauled in another massive contested catch for 35 yards to bring USC into Iowa territory. Lemon has caught seven passes for 127 yards so far.
2:40 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Though the Hawkeyes scrounged together a single first down on their first drive of the half, the Trojan defense held strong, limiting Moulton to seven yards on two early-down carries and stopping Gronowski on third down to force Iowa’s second punt of the game.
USC will take over on its own 18-yard line about halfway through the third quarter.
2:31 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
FIELD GOAL TROJANS.
After a Miller run that would’ve taken the Trojans into the red zone was called back due to a holding call on Lane, Maiava completed yet another big pass to Lemon for 24 yards and another first down, bringing USC to the Iowa 14-yard line.
However, the offense stalled from there and a third-down shot at the end zone couldn’t convert as Sayeri came out to hit a 28-yard field goal to bring the Trojans within a score at 21-13.
2:27 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
With graduate defensive lineman Aaron Graves around his legs, Maiava threw a 12-yard completion to Lane for a first down one play before hitting Lemon for 24 yards on the next, bringing the Trojans into Iowa territory.
Both Lemon and Lane have caught five passes for 66 and 41 yards respectively. Maiava has completed 14-of-19 passes for 132 yards.
2:05 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Gronowski does it all as Iowa leads 21-10 at halftime
While Iowa graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski wasn’t known for his passing game coming into Saturday’s matchup with USC, the QB earning a passing and rushing touchdown was expected. However, especially given the rainy conditions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, it would’ve been a stretch to bet on Gronowski adding a receiving touchdown too.
He did just that to lead the Hawkeyes to a 21-10 lead at halftime. Iowa has only failed to score a touchdown on one full drive.
Redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava has picked it up after a slow start, completing 12-of-17 passes for 96 yards and breaking for a 20-yard rush to extend a late first-half field goal drive.
While sophomore running back Bryan Jackson scored the touchdown on a 2-yard wildcat play, redshirt freshman running back King Miller has still gotten the bulk of the carries, rushing for 46 yards on nine, a 5.1 average. Iowa sophomore running back Kamari Moulton has looked dominant on his seven runs, rushing for 51 yards, averaging 7.3.
Penalties have also plagued both sides. An ineligible man downfield call on redshirt junior center Kilian O’Connor stopped what was shaping up to be a USC touchdown drive, forcing a field goal instead. A pass interference penalty on Iowa junior defensive back Deshaun Lee midway through the second quarter extended a USC drive that should have been a three-and-out and eventually ended with a touchdown.
1:59 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
FIELD GOAL TROJANS.
After Lane dragged his feet to narrowly haul in a 14-yard catch on third down that appeared to extend a USC drive and give them a shot at a touchdown, the referees called the play back due to an ineligible man downfield penalty on O’Connor.
The mistake proved costly as the Trojans couldn’t convert the ensuing third down attempt and had to settle for three points from a 40-yard Sayeri field goal. Iowa is still up 21-10.
1:55 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
And there’s Makai Lemon.
Maiava dropped back and threw a pass deep over the middle that junior wide receiver Makai Lemon had to go up for right after the two minute warning. Lemon was spun around in the air but he hauled in the 28-yard reception to bring USC into the red zone with a chance to close the gap heading into the half.
USC now faces third-and-8 at the 18-yard line.
1:51 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
There’s King Miller.
Though he got off to a slow start, USC’s running back has shown up on the Trojans’ last two drives, including a forceful 17-yard run to bring USC into Iowa territory heading into the two minute warning. Miller has gone for 46 yards on nine carries so far, a 5.1 average.
1:44 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Touchdown Hawkeyes.
It was a typical Riley call: a trick play throw from a wide receiver to a quarterback for a touchdown. However, as the second quarter wound down at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, it was the coach on the opposite side, Kirk Ferentz, who made the inventive call that resulted in a third Iowa touchdown on just four drives.
The Hawkeyes are now winning 21-7 with about three and a half minutes left in the half.
Gronowski has now accumulated a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the game after he caught the 5-yard touchdown pass from sophomore wide receiver Reece Vander Zee.
1:44 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Though he was the closest Trojan defender, sophomore linebacker Desman Stephens II was nowhere near Vonnahme, who caught a short pass from Gronowski and took it for a 32-yard gain to bring the Hawkeyes into USC territory at the 38-yard line.
The next two Iowa plays — both rushes for sophomore running back Kamari Moulton — were gains of 10 or more yards, quickly jolting them into the red zone for the third time on four drives. Moulton has rushed for 51 yards on seven attempts so far, a 7.3 average.
1:41 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Starting redshirt sophomore left tackle Elijah Paige, who returned from injury for last week’s win over Northwestern, was helped off the field by USC trainers while favoring his left leg on the last Trojan drive.
1:35 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
TOUCHDOWN TROJANS.
On second-and-goal, Jackson lined up in a wildcat formation and took it himself for a 2-yard rushing touchdown to close the gap about halfway through the first half. The Trojans are still down 14-7 but they will receive the second-half kickoff.
1:33 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
If he can’t get it done in the air, he can get it done on the ground.
Facing third-and-1 in USC territory, Maiava took it himself and stayed up after getting tripped for a 20-yard gain to Iowa’s 33-yard line. The run was the longest for USC thus far, though Miller’s 8-yard rush two plays prior is the team’s second longest as the conditions dried up briefly at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
1:30 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
It looked like the Trojans were about to face their second three-and-out in three drives after Maiava threw another errant third-down pass. However, junior defensive back Deshaun Lee was called for pass interference, extending USC’s drive and giving Maiava and company a chance to try to close this early gap.
While Maiava is a solid 6-for-8 on passing attempts, he hasn’t gotten one of his patented big throws off as he has been limited to 32 passing yards.
1:27 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Silver was taken to the locker room to assess his injury during Iowa’s last offensive drive.
1:25 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Touchdown Hawkeyes.
After the Trojan defense stuffed Gronowski’s first keeper attempt on first down at the 2-yard line, the quarterback went right back to it, narrowly getting into the end zone for another Hawkeye touchdown. Iowa is now up 14-0 with over 14 minutes to play in the first half.
USC will take over with the ball at their own 25-yard line after a touchback.
1:22 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Gronowski’s unexpected passing has Iowa up 7-0 after first quarter
In the uncharacteristically rainy conditions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Iowa’s offense has fared significantly better, giving the Hawkeyes a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Iowa graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski and company continued to apply pressure and finished the quarter knocking on the door of another touchdown, facing first-and-10 at USC’s 2-yard line.
Gronowski has completed 6-of-9 passes for 65 yards as well as the touchdown pass, which came on a gutsy play action fourth-and-1 call in the red zone. USC’s fourth-down attempt near the end of the quarter wasn’t as successful, as redshirt freshman running back King Miller was stuffed by the potent Iowa defense for a turnover on fourth-and-1, which sparked the late-first-quarter Hawkeye drive.
USC’s offense has only gotten two first downs and has especially struggled in the run game. Miller has nine yards on three attempts while Maiava has completed an efficient 6-of-7 passes, though only for 32 yards.
1:16 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
After not starting the game in favor of redshirt freshman cornerback Braylon Conley, redshirt senior cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson made a costly pass interference penalty on a deep third-down pass from Gronowski, bringing Iowa inside the red zone.
1:14 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Redshirt senior defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver was down on the field for over a minute after getting hurt on a first-and-10 rush. Training staff surrounded him while he was lying on the ground but Silver was able to walk off the field before the drive continued.
Iowa is now facing third-and-5 at USC’s 29-yard line.
1:08 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
With just over five minutes left in the first quarter, Head Coach Lincoln Riley made a gutsy call to go for it on fourth-and-1 at USC’s own 45-yard line and it did not pay off. Miller took the handoff and got stopped at the line of scrimmage for a turnover.
Iowa will again start with the ball in Trojan territory at the 45-yard line.
1:05 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
It may not have been pretty, but it was certainly gritty.
Miller powered for multiple yards after contact to earn six yards on second-and-5 for the first Trojan first down of the game.
Maiava has completed all three of his passes on the drive, including two that brought USC a second first down and got the Trojans to their own 32-yard line after starting with poor field position.
1:01 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
In an almost identical fashion to USC’s opening drive, Iowa quickly called the punt team out on its second drive after their offense only managed to gain two yards. The only difference is that sophomore punter Rhys Dakin was at least able to punt the ball 30 yards in the still-rainy conditions.
The Trojans will take over at their own 13-yard line as they hope to turn around what has been an extraordinarily rough start for the team on Homecoming.
12:58 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Less than a minute after Iowa completed a 69-yard drive to take an early lead, the Trojans stalled into a three-and-out after a redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava third-down throw was too far behind junior wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.
Johnson’s punt was shanked for just 19 yards. Iowa will take over in USC territory at the 46-yard line.
12:50 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Touchdown Hawkeyes.
On fourth-and-1, Gronowski did it again.
On a fake quarterback sneak, Gronowski rolled right and threw a high ball that was pulled in by a leaping sophomore wide receiver Dayton Howard.
Iowa is now up 7-0 after less than four minutes of play.
12:47 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Though Iowa graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski is not known for his passing prowess, he quickly led the Hawkeyes down the field using just that. Graduate wide receiver Jacob Gill torched USC redshirt junior safety Kamari Ramsey to go for over 20 yards after the catch on a 44-yard reception and get inside the USC’s ten-yard line.
Gronowski has completed 3-of-4 passes on the drive for 61 yards, including another chunk play in a 14-yard throw to redshirt freshman tight end DJ Vonhame.
Iowa is lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1 and the 1-yard line after the timeout.
12:43 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Iowa won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff, which may have gotten the ball in the hands of dangerous Wildcat return man Kaden Wetjen early in the game. However, redshirt freshman kicker Ryon Sayeri avoided Wetjen, kicking it to the other side of the field. Iowa will start with the ball on their own 31-yard line.
12:41 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Redshirt senior quarterback Sam Huard and redshirt senior punter Sam Johnson — who both wore No. 80 last week and caused uproar when Huard lined up in what was presumably the punter’s position, which the Big Ten later said was illegal — are wearing the same number again this week, this time No. 0.
12:39 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Despite the rainy conditions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, fireworks still went off, the Trojan Marching Band still played and No. 17 USC football still forcefully ran onto the field hoping to take it to the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes in a battle with massive College Football Playoff implications. Should USC win out, it is likely to make its CFP debut.
12:26 p.m.
Sean Campbell, Sports Editor
Redshirt junior running back Waymond Jordan and redshirt senior center J’Onre Reed were listed as questionable on the Big Ten’s Availability Report.
Jordan was injured during the win over Michigan over a month ago and has been listed as out every game since. Reed stepped into the starting center role with redshirt junior Kilian O’Connor out for over a month previously, though O’Connor is notably absent from the injury report.
Freshman running back Henry Dalton III, who had gotten into each of the last three games since the injuries to Jordan and redshirt senior running back Eli Sanders against Michigan, is also listed as questionable.
Redshirt freshman starting running back King Miller and sophomore running back Bryan Jackson will continue to lead the battered running back room.
