NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans look to improve to 3-0 in the BIG10 and 5 straight wins overall as they take to the road to take on Illinois this Saturday. The Trojans are coming off a 45-31 victory over Michigan State. Illinois is looking to bounce back following a shocking 63-10 defeat to Indiana. Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has the offense firing on all cylinders and will look to keep the offense in rhythm, while the defense will look to take away key players from the Fighting Illini’s offensive attack.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava continues his impressive start to the season. Against Michigan State, Maiava completed 20-26 passes for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns. Maiava also accounted for 2 rushing touchdowns. On the season, Maiava has passed for 1223 yards with 9 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Against Michigan State, Maiava was missing one of the top receivers as Ja’Kobi Lane was out due to an injury. Makai Lemon was the primary target for Maiava, hauling in 8 receptions for 127 yards and 1 touchdown. Lane’s availability this week is still up in the air as he deals with what Coach Lincoln Riley calls an “inconclusive” injury. With Lane possibly not playing, look for Lemon to continue to be the primary target for Maiava.
The Trojans’ running game has been strong in the early part of the season. Coach Riley went to the running game more against the Spartans, totaling 289 rushing yards on 40 carries. Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders continue to lead the Trojans’ running attack. Jordan rushed for 157 yards on 18 carries, and Sanders complemented Jordan with 90 yards on 16 carries. On the season, Illinois has given up an average of 134 rushing yards per game. Against Indiana, however, the Illini gave up 312 rushing yards on 49 carries. Look for Coach Riley to continue to go to his running game with Jordan and Sanders leading the way.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer leads the Fighting Illini offense. On the season, Altmyer has passed for 855 yards with 9 touchdowns. Altmyer has done a good job of taking care of the ball for the Illini, having not thrown an interception this season. Pass protection has been an issue for the Illini, as Altmyer has been sacked 16 times through 4 games. Look for Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to challenge the Illini’s pass protection. The Trojans have been able to bring pressure primarily with their down linemen. Look for Coach Lynn to blitz on occasion to disrupt the Illini’s pass blocking schemes.
The Trojans’ defense has given up explosive plays in the secondary. The Trojans can expect Altmyer to test the Trojans’ pass coverage. WR Hank Beatty has been the Illini’s primary target this season, leading the team with 21 receptions for 302 yards. Colin Dixon is 2nd on the team with 10 receptions for 151 yards. Though Beatty and Dixon have been the top two receivers for the Illini, Altmyer will spread the ball around, having completed passes to 13 different receivers. The Trojans’ secondary will look to contain the productivity of Beatty and DIxon and force Altmyer to go to his checkdowns and limit the big play capability of the Illini passing game.
The Illini primarily go with three running backs in their running game, with Kaden Feagin leading the team with 240 yards on 55 carries through 4 games. Ca’Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery complement Feagin in the Illini backfield. The Trojans’ defense has done a good job of containing their opponents’ running game, allowing 93 rushing yards per game. The Trojans’ defense will look to contain the Illini running game and make their offense one-dimensional.
Illinois is looking to bounce back from its shocking blowout loss to Indiana and get back into the win column. The Trojans will look to continue their impressive start to their 2025 season. Look for Coach Lincoln Riley to test the Illini run defense early with Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders. The Trojans’ defense will look to put pressure on Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer and get him off his spot. In the end, look for the Trojans to make it 5 straight victories and improve to 3-0 in the BIG10.
