USC Fotball Result: USC Beats Northwestern 38-17 with Maiava, Lemon Shining Bright

USC Fotball Result: The USC Trojans dominated the Northwestern Wildcats with a solid 38-17 win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 7, 2025. This victory was a big boost for USC's College Football Playoff hopes as they improve their record to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play.

Lincoln Riley with a thumbs up for the USC fans after the 38-17 win over Northwestern pic.twitter.com/OBtuvAJcKx

— jordan mendoza (@jordan_mendoza5) November 8, 2025

Jayden Maiava Leads Offense with Key Touchdowns

Quarterback Jayden Maiava was the star, completing 24 of 33 passes for 299 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and rushing for another score. Maiava’s leadership kept USC’s offense sharp after a less productive game the week before. His clutch plays included a 6-yard rushing touchdown and precise passes to wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane.

Makai Lemon’s Career Performance

Wide receiver Makai Lemon stole the show with a career-high 161 receiving yards on 11 catches. He scored one touchdown through the air and added another on a 4-yard rush. Lemon’s explosive performance energized the team and fans alike.

Smart Special Teams Play: The Fake Punt with Sam Huard

One of the most memorable moments was the surprise fake punt early in the second quarter. Third-string quarterback Sam Huard, wearing jersey number 80 to mimic the punter, threw a perfect 10-yard pass to Lemon on fourth down, boosting the drive that led to Maiava’s touchdown run. This clever play caught the Wildcats off guard and showcased USC’s creativity.

USC wins by a final score of 38-17 after a dominant 2nd half.

Will have a reaction and takeaways video up after Lincoln Riley’s presser ✌️ pic.twitter.com/dzmhp4Ke7N

— Ryan Dyrud (@RyanDyrudLAFB) November 8, 2025

Northwestern’s Bright Spots and Challenges

Northwestern fought hard, with Caleb Komolafe rushing for 118 yards and scoring a touchdown, and quarterback Preston Stone throwing for 150 yards. However, turnovers and missed opportunities hampered their efforts against a tough USC defense.

Game Impact and What’s Next

USC's 482 total offensive yards marked their best output this season and reaffirmed their spot in playoff conversations. The Trojans will host No. 20 Iowa on November 15, aiming to keep their winning momentum.