Coach Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans are one of a handful of Big Ten teams knocking on the door of a possible College Football Playoff appearance heading into Saturday, November 14's clash against Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers. Riley demanded more respect for his QB Jayden Maiava as he prepared to face Josh Hoover's team in Bloomington.

Pete Nakos of On3 shared news on Friday, November 13 that the Trojans were safe and sound in the Hickory State ahead of their 3:30 p.m. Saturday clash amid a Federal Aviation Association grounding of flights.

“USC has landed in Indiana,” Nakos said.

The game is scheduled for broadcast on CBS with the Trojans on a hot streak, having won three of four games. The Trojans have had multiple players lead the way in rushing and passing this season, but Maiava's performances at quarterback speak for themselves as he has led the team in passing early single week this season. He's passed for over 300 yards three times in 2026 while his counterpart, Hoover, has dealt with injury concerns lately.

Article Continues Below

It's been a wild season in Los Angeles with Riley addressing a viral dust-up against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 10. Getting to Indiana amid the chaos of this weekend is a good sign for a USC team with the talent to accomplish amazing things under Riley, whose ultimate validation would be winning a national title after years of turmoil, injury problems, and other setbacks.

Maiava going up against Hoover, Cignetti and the Hoosiers looks like must-see TV for college football viewers in what should be a fun weekend of action.