Unranked USC upsets No. 2 Ohio State 30-18

USC never trailed against No. 2 Ohio State, striking early with a long touchdown and holding on for a 30-18 win at home.

The Trojans improved to 7-2, while Ohio State fell to 6-2.

USC's Jayden Maiava found Trent Mosley for a 69-yard touchdown with 14:21 left in the first quarter, and the 7-0 lead was one USC never gave up. USC led 14-3 at the end of the first.

USC led 20-9 at halftime and stretched the margin to 27-9 after three quarters. Ohio State scored 9 points in the fourth quarter, enough only to make the final 30-18.

Mosley finished with 101 receiving yards on 5 catches and King Miller ran for a score.

USC won with far less of the ball. Ohio State outgained USC 464 yards to 338 and held possession for 39:28. USC had 15 first downs, well below its 25 a game entering, and 20:32 of possession, well below its 32:09.

Ohio State's Luke Fahey threw for a career-high 260 yards, topping his previous best of 141. Ohio State's Bo Jackson ran for a career-high 121 yards, topping his previous best of 117, and the Buckeyes finished with 204 rushing yards, above their 153 a game entering. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith caught 10 passes and a touchdown.

USC's Deven Bryant made a career-high 11 tackles, topping his previous best of 8.

The takeaway

USC: The Trojans moved to 7-2 and 4-2 in conference play with a win over the No. 2 team as an unranked side. The USC defense made 2 sacks and held Ohio State to 18 points.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes fell to 6-2 and 4-1 in conference play. Each team turned the ball over once, but Ohio State drew 71 penalty yards, worse than its 51 a game entering.

Up next

USC: The Trojans play at No. 4 Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes host Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 7.