No. 17 USC returns to the Coliseum on Saturday needing another win to stay on course in the Big Ten race. Lincoln Riley's team hosts an Iowa team built on a punishing ground game.
The Trojans (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) have won five of their last six and enter the matchup with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. No. 21 Iowa (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) brings one of the country’s stingiest defenses to Los Angeles for a rare West Coast visit.
USC ranks second nationally at 503.2 yards per game and seventh in scoring at 39.6 points. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has steadied the offense with 2,614 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, while running back King Miller and receiver Makai Lemon headline a balanced attack. USC converted more than half its third downs this season and scored on 93.3% of its red-zone possessions.
Iowa will counter with a defense allowing just 13.7 points per game, fifth nationally. The Hawkeyes excel in coverage and at the line of scrimmage, led by defensive tackle Aaron Graves, cornerback T.J. Hall and linebacker Karson Sharar. Iowa continues to lean heavily on the run behind standout center Logan Jones. Quarterback Mark Gronowski has yet to surpass 200 passing yards in a game, but his mobility remains a factor.
The Hawkeyes have been strong on the road, but Saturday marks another West Coast test after last year’s struggles at UCLA. To win, Iowa must control possession, avoid turnovers and limit USC’s run game. It's a challenge after surrendering 261 rushing yards to Oregon last week.
Kickoff on Saturday set for 3:30 p.m. ET on BTN.
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