Overview

• USC dropped to 4-1 with a 34-32 road defeat, its first loss of the season after a 4-0 start.
• Illinois piled up 502 yards as the Trojans forced just one punt on 10 drives, struggled against the run, and generated only one sack.
• Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer went 20-of-26 for 328 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
• USC’s offense featured standouts Jayden Maiava (364 passing yards), Waymond Jordan (94 rushing yards, two TDs) and a career day from Makai Lemon, but receiver depth remained thin with Ja’Kobi Lane limited to 33 of 81 snaps per Pro Football Focus.
• The loss knocked USC out of the AP poll, and national analysts labeled it a missed momentum chance while warning that defensive improvements are essential before facing Michigan, Notre Dame and Nebraska.