The 19th-ranked USC Trojans are set to continue their pursuit of the Big Ten title as they prepare to face off against the Northwestern Wildcats in a crucial Friday night matchup. The game will take place at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern Time. This contest carries significant weight for both teams as they try to solidify their standings in the competitive Big Ten Conference.
USC enters the game riding high after a hard-fought 21-17 victory over Nebraska last week. The Trojans currently hold a 6-2 overall record and a 4-1 mark within the conference, tying them for fourth place in the Big Ten. Their dominance at home is a key factor this season, as they have remained undefeated with a 4-0 record on their home turf in 2025. This home advantage will be critical as they look to maintain momentum and keep pace in the tightly contested race for the Big Ten crown.
On the other side, the Northwestern Wildcats are battling to climb the conference standings. They bring a 5-3 overall record and a 3-2 conference record into the matchup, tying them for eighth place in the Big Ten. The Wildcats have struggled somewhat on the road this season, posting a 1-2 record away from home. Notably, Northwestern recently fell to Nebraska 28-21 on October 25, a game that highlighted both their strengths and vulnerabilities. This upcoming road game against a ranked USC squad will be a tough test as they aim to improve their position in the conference.
Betting odds heavily favor USC in this matchup. According to the latest sports books, the Trojans are 13.5-point favorites over Northwestern. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 52.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair. Additionally, the money line odds reflect the Trojans’ favored status, with USC at -641 and Northwestern at +463. For fans and bettors looking to make informed decisions, the SportsLine Projection Model offers advanced analytics and predictions. This model has simulated every FBS game thousands of times and has a strong track record of success, helping bettors identify profitable picks.
The Trojans’ offense is led by junior quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has been a pivotal figure in USC’s success this season. Over eight games, Maiava has completed 154 of 236 passes for 2,315 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns against five interceptions. His dual-threat capability adds a dynamic element to the offense, as he has also rushed 34 times for 103 yards and five touchdowns. One of his standout performances came against Michigan State on September 20, when he completed 20 of 26 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 31 yards and two scores. Maiava’s ability to extend plays and deliver in clutch moments will be critical against Northwestern’s defense.
Supporting Maiava in the rushing game is freshman running back King Miller, who is expected to carry much of the workload, particularly with starting running back Waymond Jordan doubtful due to an ankle injury. Miller has proven to be a reliable and explosive runner, coming off a strong performance in the win over Nebraska where he rushed 18 times for 129 yards and a touchdown. Earlier in the season, he also had a memorable game against Michigan on October 11, rushing for 158 yards and a score on 18 carries. Through seven games, Miller has amassed 509 yards on 65 carries, averaging an impressive 7.8 yards per carry, and has found the end zone four times. His ability to break big runs and sustain drives will be essential for USC’s offensive balance.
For Northwestern, senior quarterback Preston Stone is the offensive leader. A transfer from SMU, Stone is in his first season with the Wildcats and has shown flashes of brilliance. He has completed 126 of 216 passes this season, for a 58.3% completion rate, accumulating 1,372 yards and 10 touchdowns, though he has also thrown nine interceptions. Stone’s most notable outing came in a narrow 22-21 victory over Penn State on October 11, where he completed 17 of 26 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. His experience and leadership will be vital as Northwestern tries to challenge USC’s defense.
Adding to Northwestern’s offensive threat is sophomore running back Caleb Komolafe,