No. 20 USC Tops Northwestern 38-17 in Playoff Push

LOS ANGELES No. 20 Southern California defeated Northwestern 38-17 on Friday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, keeping the Trojans in contention for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff with a balanced offensive showing against a stout Wildcats defense.

The Trojans, now 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten, racked up 482 total yards, their highest output of the season and the most allowed by Northwestern's defense all year. Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 24 of 33 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, while also scoring on a 6-yard run. Wide receiver Makai Lemon had a standout performance with 11 catches for 161 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown reception, and added a 4-yard jet sweep score in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Running back Kyron Mazs (listed as King Miller in some reports) contributed 127 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Northwestern, falling to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play, managed 367 total yards but struggled after halftime, limited to just 103 yards in the second half. Quarterback Preston Stone passed for 150 yards, and running back Caleb Komolafe rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver...