College Football1 hour ago2 minute read

USC Defense Steps Up in Comeback Victory Over Washington

Jahkeem Stewart's fumble return touchdown helped No. 18 USC overcome a double digit deficit to beat Washington 25-21 on Saturday night.

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The Turnaround

No. 18 Southern California pulled off a major second half comeback on Saturday night, defeating Washington 25-21. The Trojans trailed 21-10 in the second half, prompting some fans to chant for the firing of head coach Lincoln Riley. However, the Trojans rallied to score the final 15 points of the game, securing their first win against the Huskies since 2016.

The game turned around late in the third quarter. Jahkeem Stewart, a 295 pound defensive tackle nicknamed Thanos, picked up a fumble by Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Stewart returned the ball 48 yards for the go ahead touchdown, putting USC in front.

Offensive and Defensive Highlights

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 245 yards, including a second half touchdown pass to Tanook Hines. Hines made a tough play to rip the 10 yard pass away from a Washington defender.

Washington had built its lead through a variety of plays. Receiver Dezmen Roebuck threw a touchdown pass to Baron Naone to open the scoring. Kade Eldridge added a touchdown run at the end of an 80 yard drive. Decker DeGraaf also scored on a 42 yard pass.

Despite those scores, the USC defense, led by coordinator Gary Patterson, shut down the Huskies for the remainder of the game. USC was playing without suspended linebacker Desman Stephens, with Ta'Mere Robinson starting in his place.

A Final Stand

Washington did not go down easily. Williams, who passed for 198 yards, led a late drive starting from his own 5 yard line all the way to the USC 12 yard line. The Huskies converted two fourth downs and a third and 11 to keep the drive alive.

With the game on the line, Kameryn Crawford sacked Williams on third down. On the final play, Williams threw into double coverage in the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete with 39 seconds left, sealing the win for USC.

What it means for the next game

Iowa Hawkeyes at Washington Huskies (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Washington Huskies win 51%, Iowa Hawkeyes win 49%; projected score Washington Huskies 23, Iowa Hawkeyes 20. Our safest pick: Over 31.5 points.

USC Trojans at Penn State Nittany Lions (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Penn State Nittany Lions win 44%, USC Trojans win 56%; projected score Penn State Nittany Lions 27, USC Trojans 29. Our safest pick: Penn State +12.5.