USC and Illinois battle to a Tie in first Quarter as Waymond Jordan Scores
Champaign, IL – USC and Illinois are locked in a tight contest early in their Saturday matchup, with Waymond Jordan’s touchdown tying the game in the first quarter. The game marks a notable step up in competition for USC quarterback Miller Maiava, who has impressed during the Trojans’ 4-0 start but has yet to face a top-100 passing defence.
This contest is the first of three consecutive games against ranked opponents for USC, and the first of four on the road. A College Football Playoff berth remains a possibility for the Trojans, but will require Maiava to maintain his strong performance against increasingly challenging defenses.USC has averaged over 52 points per game and a 32-point average margin of victory in its first four games, but faces a tougher test against a previously top-10 ranked Illinois team. USC coach Lincoln Riley has urged Maiava to “just keep doing what you’re doing,” emphasizing consistency as the Trojans navigate a more difficult stretch of their schedule. Illinois, ranked no. 23, is looking to rebound after a recent loss to Indiana.
