Indiana QB Grant Wilson Throws 2 TDs in 27-13 Win Over USC

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. Grant Wilson threw two touchdown passes to lead No. 6 Indiana past No. 15 USC, 27-13, on Saturday. The victory kept the defending national champions in the college football playoff mix.

Wilson, a seven-year college veteran, replaced injured starter Josh Hoover at halftime two weeks ago. He had led the Hoosiers to an overtime win over Minnesota. Coach Curt Cignetti decided to start Wilson again on Saturday despite Hoover's return to health.

Wilson completed 17 of 27 passes for 305 yards and one interception. He connected with Shazz Peterson on a 47-yard pass on Indiana's third play of the game. That drive ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brock Schott, giving the Hoosiers a 7-0 lead.

USC, which needed a win to keep its Big Ten title hopes alive, responded with a 29-yard field goal. The offenses stalled until Indiana converted an interception by Jayden Maiava into a 21-yard field goal. Maiava then threw a 51-yard pass to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and a 7-yard touchdown pass to Zacharyus Williams to tie the score at 10.

Khowbie Martin broke the tie late in the third quarter. He scored on a 1-yard run with 2:39 left in the period after a replay review denied him a 38-yard touchdown play. Martin had 10 carries for 70 yards. Lee Beebe Jr. led the team with 16 carries for 71 yards.

Charlie Becker added a 42-yard touchdown catch with 3:30 left in the game to make the score 27-13. USC's defense then recorded two late interceptions, one of which occurred inside the Hoosiers' 5-yard line, to seal the win.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 26 of 42 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted three times. The Trojans (7-3) scored only one touchdown in five red-zone trips. Trent Mosley caught nine passes for 130 yards for USC.

Indiana will travel to Washington next Saturday. USC will host Maryland at home on the same day. Cignetti said he will determine Wilson's status as the starter after further review.