Field Level Media
28 Sep 2025, 02:10 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images)
David Olano's 41-yard field goal as time expired helped No. 23-ranked Illinois avoid a late collapse, as the Illini held off No. 21 Southern California 34-32 on Saturday at Champaign, Ill.
The Illini (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) built a two-touchdown lead in the second half behind a strong all-around performance from quarterback Luke Altmyer. He became the first Illinois player to pass, rush and catch for a touchdown in the same game since Kurt Kittner in 1999.
But while Illinois scored on six of its nine possessions, and only punted once, a pair of fumbles at the goal line gave USC (4-1, 2-1) an opportunity to rally after a slow offensive start.
Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava was intercepted for the first time on the season when he was picked off by Dylan Rosiek in the third quarter. USC managed just 17 points for the game's first 50 minutes after entering with an average of 52.5 points per game.
Maiava regrouped down the stretch, connecting with Makai Lemon on touchdown passes of 19 and 16 yards in the fourth quarter. USC converted a two-point conversion following the first, then took a 32-31 lead with 1:55 remaining on the second Lemon TD.
Maiava's second scoring pass to Lemon capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive after USC linebacker Eric Gentry forced a fumble from Ca'Lil Valentine, who was breaking toward the end zone on a potential win-sealing Illinois score.
The Illini also coughed up the ball just shy of the end zone in the second quarter on Braylon Conley's takeaway from Kaden Feagin.
Illinois recovered after conceding the lead, marching into Trojans territory behind Feagin runs of 6, 8 and 9 yards, and an Altmyer carry of 13 yards. Altmyer finished with 28 rushing yards, including 12 on a first-quarter touchdown.
The Illini quarterback also scored on a 3-yard pass reception from Hank Beatty and threw a 25-yard score to Justin Bowick early in the fourth quarter.
Altmyer hooked up with Feagin on a 64-yard touchdown. Feagin walked a tight rope at the sideline to complete the long, third-quarter score that put Illinois ahead 24-10.
Altmyer was 20-of-26 passing for 328 yards. Maiava finished 30 of 43 for 364 yards.
Waymond Jordan carried 20 times for USC, gaining 94 rushing yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Illinois earned its first victory over USC since a 14-13 decision in 1989.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Los Angeles Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Los Angeles Herald.
More InformationOSLO, Norway: When the Nobel Peace Prize is announced on October 10, experts say one name can safely be ruled out: U.S. President Donald...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump's approval rating edged down in recent weeks as concerns grew over the U.S. economy and his...
OSLO, Norway: Norwegian police said this week they were investigating an explosion in central Oslo, where a second device was later...
HONG KONG/SHENZHEN, China: Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025, surged toward southern China on September 24, following...
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump, has slammed James Comey, the former FBI director, a day after charges have been laid...
OTTAWA, Canada: TikTok has pledged to tighten safeguards for young users in Canada after a joint investigation found its measures to...
BURBANK, California: Walt Disney will hike U.S. subscription prices for Disney+ next month, the fourth consecutive year of increases...
SEATTLE, Washington: A Seattle seafood company has expanded its recall of shrimp sold at Kroger grocery stores nationwide after U.S....
SANTA CLARA, California: Nvidia said it will invest up to US$100 billion in OpenAI and supply the startup with advanced chips, cementing...
(Photo credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images) David Olano's 41-yard field goal as time expired helped No. 23-ranked Illinois avoid a late...
(Photo credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images) KANSAS CITY, Kan.--Chase Briscoe returned to his pole-winning ways on Saturday at Kansas...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) After months of fruitless negotiations that led him to holding out of training camp, center...
