The USC Trojans are 7-2 on the season after beating the now 6-2 Ohio State Buckeyes at home in a game that led to a Matt Leinart celebration afterward. Dave Portnoy was jumping for joy after USC beat his favorite team's arch nemesis.
Coach Lincoln Riley was perhaps the biggest winner on the night as his talented team remained in College Football Playoff considering, beating a Julian Sayin-less Buckeyes team at home. He spoke to NBC Sports after the landmark win over Ryan Day's team.
“We got a good team, I've said it all along, regardless of what happened tonight, I believe in our team, I believe in what we're doing here, and tonight was a great step that way.”
The Trojans got big games from QB Jayden Maiava, running back King Miller, and receiver Trent Mosley as their offensive strength overpowered the Buckeyes' Matt Patricia-coordinated defense. Maiava finished with 222 yards and a touchdown through the air, Miller had 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and Mosley accomplished the unthinkable, besting besting Buckeyes star Jeremiah Smith with 101 yards and a touchdown on the night.
Article Continues BelowRiley's Trojans have been known for their offensive prowess throughout his entire tenure. Week 9's win over the Buckeyes was extra special because of defensive coordinator Gary Patterson's unit's contributions.
Riley got his revenge on the doubters with the Trojans' huge Big Ten win, cementing them as a giant of the conference. Three games remain including a doozy at Indiana in Week 11, giving Riley and his staff a golden opportunity to vault themselves into the College Football Playoff rankings.