How many receiving yards did USC's Makai Lemon have?

Makai Lemon had a career-high 161 receiving yards.

Which team remains in the College Football Playoff race after this game?

The USC Trojans remain in the College Football Playoff race after this victory.

Home / Sports / USC Trojans Soar Past Northwestern in Offensive Showdown

USC Trojans Soar Past Northwestern in Offensive Showdown

Q: What was the final score of the USC vs. Northwestern game?

The USC Trojans defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 38-17.

8 Nov, 2025

•

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

USC Trojans Soar Past Northwestern in Offensive Showdown

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.