Home / Sports / USC Trojans Soar Past Northwestern in Offensive Showdown
USC Trojans Soar Past Northwestern in Offensive Showdown
8 Nov
Summary
- Makai Lemon's career-high 161 receiving yards and 2 TDs
- USC's 482 total yards, most allowed by Northwestern's stingy defense
- USC remains unbeaten at home, keeps playoff hopes alive
In a crucial matchup on November 4th, the No. 20 USC Trojans defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 38-17 to remain in the College Football Playoff race. The Trojans' offense was led by a career-night from receiver Makai Lemon, who had 11 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown catch, as well as a 4-yard scoring run.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava also had a strong performance, passing for 299 yards and two touchdowns. USC's offense racked up 482 total yards, the most allowed by Northwestern's stingy defense all season. The Wildcats had not previously allowed a 200-yard passer, but Maiava and the Trojans' aerial attack proved too much to handle.
The win keeps USC unbeaten at home this season and puts them firmly in the national title conversation heading into mid-November. Running back King Miller added 127 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Ja'Kobi Lane made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch to extend the Trojans' lead in the third quarter.
Despite the loss, Northwestern put up a respectable fight, with quarterback Preston Stone passing for 150 yards and Caleb Komolafe rushing for 118 yards and a score. However, the Wildcats' vaunted pass defense could not slow down the Trojans' high-powered offense on this night.
