Positives and negatives from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State

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Positives and negatives from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State

Positives and negatives from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State

Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire · Trojans Wire

Mon, November 2, 2026 at 4:25 AM UTC ·

1 min read

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On Saturday night, the USC football team upset No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 . With the victory, the Trojans improved to 7-2 on the season and 4-2 in Big Ten play.

What went well for USC, and what went poorly? Here are some positives and negatives from the game:

Positive: Lincoln Riley

For as much criticism as Lincoln Riley has drawn over the past week, he deserves a ton of credit for this performance. This was by far Riley's biggest victory as the head coach at USC.

Positive: Mark Bowman

I am not sure there are words that can properly describe this play . USC's true freshman tight end is simply not human.

Positive: Trent Mosley

Speaking of true freshmen, Mosley set the tone for the upset with his 69-yard touchdown on the second play of the game.

Positive: Red zone defense

Ohio State got inside the USC 30 yard line six times, but only scored one touchdown. That is a massive victory for the Trojans .

Negative: Run defense

That said, the Buckeyes were able to move the ball prior to entering the red zone. Ohio State racked up 204 rushing yards in the game.

Positive: Meaningful football in November

Had the Trojans lost this game, they would have been eliminated from playoff contention before the start of November for the third time in four years. Instead, USC still has a ton to play for entering the final month of the regular season.

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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Gabe Vansickle (58) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reacts during the NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) passes during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) moves out to pass against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back King Miller (8) carries the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

USC Trojans tight end Mark Bowman (19) leaps over Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) during the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Alex Vansumeren (91) celebrates after sacking Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

The torch is lit after the third quarter during the NCAA football game between Ohio State Buckeyes and USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

USC Trojans fans celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork yells at USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley following the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

USC Trojans offensive lineman Elijah Vaikona (79) leaves as fans storms the field the following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans fans storm the field after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Positives and negatives from USC's 30-18 upset of Ohio State

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