USC drops Iowa in key Big Ten game at Coliseum

Makai Lemon caught 10 passes for 153 yards and a second-half touchdown as the No. 17 Southern California rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 21 Iowa 26-21 on a rainy Saturday afternoon at the LA Coliseum.

Jayden Maiava threw for 254 yards and Bryan Jackson ran for two scores for the Trojans (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten, No. 17 CFP), who trailed 21-7 late in the second quarter before reeling off 19 unanswered points. Jackson’s 4-yard run with 13:36 remaining put USC ahead for good, capping the Trojans’ fifth straight scoring drive.

Mark Gronowski accounted for all three Iowa touchdowns in the first half throwing for one, rushing for one and catching another.

But the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) were shut out after halftime for the second straight week against a ranked opponent. Iowa reached the USC 29 in the final minutes but turned the ball over on downs with 1:59 left.

A steady downpour drenched the Coliseum for more than 24 hours leading into kickoff, and Iowa handled the conditions early. A Philly Special-style trick play led to Gronowski’s receiving touchdown, and his second-quarter scoring run put USC in its deepest hole of the season.

The Trojans responded behind Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, who added seven catches for 65 yards. Jahkeem Stewart’s interception set up Jackson’s go-ahead score. USC’s defense closed it out to preserve its playoff hopes.

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