USC Trojans’ Big Man Touchdown Creates Viral Moment in Big Ten Win

The USC Trojans' defense stepped up when it needed to the most, which included a big man interception return by Jamaal Jerrett in the 33-17 win over the Purdue Boilermakers in its Big Ten opener.

Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Missouri State Bears in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After a three-hour and fifteen-minute weather delay to begin the game, the USC Trojans outlasted the Purdue Boilermakers 33-17 with its defense stepping up when it mattered the most in its Big Ten opener.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) talks with Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

USC Big Man Touchdown Highlights Big Ten Opening Win

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett (0) runs the ball in for a touchdown after intercepting it during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

USC's defense was the difference in the game, as they recorded three interceptions off Purdue starting quarterback Ryan Browne, one of which featured a big man touchdown, a favorite among college football fans. The 6-foot-5, 360-pound defensive tackle, Jamaal Jarrett, recorded a 70-yard interception return late in the third quarter for the Trojans.

things you LOVE to see ⤵️

that’s a 360-lb man in the end zone‼️

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/1UqsN5c2ca

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) September 14, 2025

Jarrett, a transfer from Georgia, has recorded 12 total tackles in three games this season with USC, including one in Saturday's win against Purdue. His 70-yard interception return will be a highlight that'll be hard to beat in his Trojan career.

Bishop Fitzgerald Leads USC Defensively With Game-Deciding Interceptions

All three of USC's interceptions came in their own territory, two of which were in the red zone. After recording one interception in the season opener win against Missouri State, USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald had a major impact on defense against Purdue.

Fitzgerald recorded two interceptions for the Trojans. His first interception came on Purdue's second offensive drive, and he sealed the win for USC when the Boilermakers were attempting to make it a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter.

first multi-INT game of @BalloutBishop’s career 🦈

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/Q8SS3mTjbo

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) September 14, 2025

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Fitzgerald also finished the game with five tackles, which was the second most among USC defenders against Purdue, with linebacker Eric Gentry leading with eight total.

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) is tackled by multiple USC Trojans during the second quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The USC front seven also played a crucial role in the win against the Boilermakers, recording 10 tackles, five sacks, and stopping Purdue on critical third downs throughout the game.

USC's Consistency On Defense Will Be A Key Moving Forward

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Nitro Tuggle (0) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of USC Trojans cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson (17) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

With the win against Purdue, USC now moves to 3-0 on the season and will return home to the Coliseum to face off against another undefeated Big Ten team, the Michigan State Spartans. Playing consistently on defense moving forward will be a key for the Trojans, especially next week when they face a very mobile quarterback in Aidan Chiles from Michigan State.

The Trojans playing well on defense could make or break their chances of beating the toughest teams on their schedule, including Notre Dame, Illinois, and Oregon. We know that the Trojans' offense is explosive and talented enough to lead USC to a successful season, but can their defense take this team to the next level?

One position group on USC's defense that has struggled is its secondary. The Trojans gave up 357 total yards against Purdue, with 305 of those coming through the air, which proves why those three interceptions off Browne were such a difference maker.

Next week's matchup against Michigan State has the potential to be a track meet at the Coliseum as Chiles could hurt USC through the air, and Michigan State's wide receivers, including Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly, could create some damage on the Trojans' secondary.