One week after Iowa was stunned at home by Oregon, the Hawkeyes traveled to Los Angeles and got a gift from the elements, as a rainstorm belted Southern California and threatened to limit USC’s high-flying offense.
And it looked at first as though the combination of the weather and Iowa’s physicality would prove too much for the Trojans to overcome. USC fell behind 21-7 in the first half, the type of lead that usually proves insurmountable against the Hawkeyes’ defense. Instead, however, USC finished the game on a 19-0 run for a massive 26-21 victory. The Trojans’ much-maligned defense held firm, giving time for quarterback Jayden Maiava (23-for-32, 254 passing yards, one touchdown) and superstar wide receivers Makai Lemon (10 catches, 153 receiving yards, one touchdown) and Ja’Kobi Lane (seven catches, 65 yards) to power the comeback.
“Culture win right there, man, if there ever was one,” coach Lincoln Riley said after the game.
USC improved to 8-2 with the win to remain in the College Football Playoff race — for now.