College Football’s Thrilling Weekend: USC’s Rainy Triumph & Big Comebacks
Los Angeles witnessed a spectacular display of grit as the USC Trojans defied heavy rain and a halftime deficit, staging a fierce second-half comeback to defeat Iowa. Across the nation, other college football teams delivered unforgettable performances, from historic rallies to stunning upsets, shaping the landscape of the College Football Playoff race.
USC Trojans: Dominating the Second Half at the Coliseum
At the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the No. 16 USC Trojans overcame heavy rain and first-half struggles, scoring 16 unanswered points to defeat Iowa 26-21. This crucial top-25 victory keeps Southern California’s College Football Playoff hopes very much alive.
Makai Lemon’s Star Performance
Trojans receiver Makai Lemon proved unstoppable, hauling in 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. This marks his fourth game this season with over 150 receiving yards, strengthening his bid for the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s best receiver.
Defense Steps Up When It Matters
For the third consecutive game, USC’s defense stiffened dramatically in the second half, holding Iowa scoreless for the final 30 minutes. This consistent ability to close out games is a hallmark of Lincoln Riley’s leadership, as he now holds an 8-1 record in his last nine Big Ten matchups.
What’s Next for the Trojans?
The Trojans are riding high into a highly anticipated showdown this Saturday against No. 6 Oregon. This upcoming game will be a pivotal test in their quest for a College Football Playoff berth.
Weekend’s Big Winners: Historic Rallies and Crucial Victories
Texas A&M’s Unforgettable Comeback
The No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies executed the largest comeback in school history, battling back from a 30-3 halftime deficit against South Carolina. Quarterback Marcel Reed overcame three early turnovers, throwing three touchdowns in the third quarter before leading a game-winning 98-yard drive. Their 31-30 victory broke a staggering SEC record: teams previously 0-286 in conference play when trailing by 27+ points.
LSU Tigers Find Their Stride Under Interim Coach
LSU snapped a three-game losing streak and secured interim coach Frank Wilson’s first win by rallying from a 14-0 deficit against Arkansas. In his first career start, sophomore Michael Van Buren orchestrated a 92-yard fourth-quarter drive, sealing the 23-22 triumph with a 12-yard touchdown pass. Van Buren threw for 221 yards, added 36 rushing yards, and notably, had zero turnovers.
Georgia Tech Keeps ACC Hopes Alive
No. 15 Georgia Tech delivered a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback against 1-9 Boston College. Trailing 28-20, quarterback Haynes King totaled 424 yards of offense and a touchdown. He engineered a game-winning drive, culminating in Aidan Birr’s 23-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining for a 36-34 victory. A win against Pitt next Saturday would secure their ACC Championship Game spot and maintain playoff hopes.
Who Stumbled? Teams Facing Setbacks
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Home Streak Snapped
No. 10 Alabama, riding an eight-game winning streak and poised for an SEC Championship spot, suffered a stunning 23-21 home upset against No. 8 Oklahoma. The Sooners’ defense forced three turnovers, including an 87-yard pick-six, snapping Alabama’s 17-game home winning streak and potentially jeopardizing their College Football Playoff aspirations.
Texas Longhorns’ Playoff Dreams Diminished
A crushing 35-10 defeat by No. 4 Georgia likely eliminates No. 17 Texas from College Football Playoff contention. The Longhorns are now 0-3 against the Bulldogs since joining the SEC. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton fueled a dominant 21-point fourth-quarter outburst, keeping the Bulldogs in contention for the conference championship and a first-round CFP bye.
Weekend at a Glance: College Football’s Highs and Lows
| Outcome | Team | Key Highlight | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | USC Trojans | Second-half shutdown, Makai Lemon’s big day | CFP hopes alive, huge Oregon matchup next |
| Winner | Texas A&M Aggies | Historic 27-point comeback, Marcel Reed’s resilience | Broke significant SEC trailing record |
| Winner | LSU Tigers | Michael Van Buren’s clean debut, ended losing streak | First win under interim coach Frank Wilson |
| Winner | Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | Late game-winning field goal, ACC Championship hopes | A win vs. Pitt secures conference final spot |
| Loser | Alabama Crimson Tide | Home winning streak snapped, crucial turnovers | CFP hopes jeopardized by upset loss |
| Loser | Texas Longhorns | Crushing loss to Georgia, 0-3 in SEC | CFP hopes severely diminished |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the USC vs. Iowa game?
The USC Trojans defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 26-21. - Who was a standout player for USC in their comeback win?
Wide receiver Makai Lemon was exceptional with 10 catches, 153 yards, and a touchdown. - How significant was Texas A&M’s comeback against South Carolina?
It was the largest comeback in school history, overcoming a 27-point deficit and breaking an SEC conference play record. - What does USC’s win mean for their College Football Playoff chances?
The victory keeps them alive in the CFP race, especially with a critical upcoming game against No. 6 Oregon.
This past weekend underscored the thrilling, often unpredictable nature of college football. For local fans, USC’s determined comeback in challenging conditions proves that the fight for a national championship is very much alive right here in Los Angeles, setting the stage for an exciting season finale.
USC Rainy Triumph Over Iowa Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
