No. 21 USC (4-0 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) at No. 23 Illinois (3-1, 0-1)
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/ESPN LA 710
Line: USC by 6.5
NOTABLE INJURIES
USC: OUT: CB Chasen Johnson (knee), K Caden Chittenden (undisclosed); QUESTIONABLE: CB Alex Graham (undisclosed), CB Prophet Brown (undisclosed), RB Bryan Jackson (undisclosed), WR Ja’Kobi Lane (undisclosed).
Illinois: OUT: CB Torrie Cox (undisclosed), RB John Forster (undisclosed), OG JJ Hirdes (knee), TE Grant Smith (undisclosed); QUESTIONABLE: CB Xavier Scott (undisclosed), OG Ayden Knapik (knee), TE Logan Farrell (undisclosed), CB Ben Clawson (undisclosed), CB Jaheim Clarke (hamstring), LB Daniel Brown (undisclosed), TE Christian Abney (undisclosed).
What’s at stake? No. 21 USC faces its first ranked opponent of the season and its toughest task yet in No. 23 Illinois. The Trojans have started unbeaten behind a well-rounded offense and solid defense that continues to deliver despite shortcomings in the secondary. They’ve also shown that they have the ability to win on the road in unique circumstances after taking down Purdue despite a lengthy weather delay. Illinois is looking for a bounce-back win after falling to Indiana 63-10 in its first loss of the season, which was also its Big Ten opener.
Who’s better? It’s tough to decide who has the edge in this matchup. Illinois had driven up the score and put up 38 points or more in each of its three games to start the season. USC has been consistent through its first four games, although Michigan State did come within a touchdown of securing a third-quarter lead last week. The uncertainty of USC receiver Ja’Kobi Lane’s health as well as the absence of Illinois corner Xavier Scott thickens the plot. If this game gets into a shootout, the stability of the Trojans’ offense will be tested. The performances of receiver Makai Lemon and running back Waymond Jordan have USC’s offense clicking to the tune of 583.8 yards per game. The supporting cast will need to have their backs Saturday.
USC wins if: Quarterback Jayden Maiava will need to stay steady, as he has been. The depth at receiver and running back as well as the strength of the offensive line has kept him from making panicked plays. Although the Illini defense folded against Indiana, it still maintains an 81.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. Playing disciplined and minimizing penalties will also help the Trojans maintain an advantage on the scoreboard.
Prediction: USC 38, Illinois 34. USC will extend its winning streak and continue to prove the strength and versatility of its offense.