USC Quarterback Jayden Maiava Prevents Pick-Six vs. Northwestern in Viral Play

The No. 19 USC Trojans are hosting the Northwestern Wildcats for a Friday night matchup. It has been a close game, with USC quarterback Jayden Maiava preventing a pick-six, and Trojans' coach Lincoln Riley calling risky trick plays.

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Utah Utes during the second half in the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The No. 19 USC Trojans are hosting the Northwestern Wildcats in a Friday night matchup. The Trojans are 6-2, looking to win out the rest of the season as USC seeks a College Football Playoff appearance. In what is already a close game, USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava made a key play after throwing what could have been a costly interception.

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In the second quarter of the game, Maiva threw an interception, caught by Northwestern defensive lineman Najee Story. Story came close to making it into the endzone, but Maiava not only made the stop, but forced the defender to drop the ball.

THIS PLAY WAS CRAZY 😱

Jayden Maiava throws an interception to Najee Story and then Maiava forces Story to fumble into the end zone for a touchback 👀 pic.twitter.com/7bJqzJAuZo

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025

The ball ended up bouncing out of the back of the end zone, resulting in a touchback. In what could have been a Northwestern touchdown, resulted in the Trojans getting the ball right back.

Aside from the one interception, Maiava has had strong momentum against the Wildcats, a big improvement from the past two games. In the second quarter, the USC quarterback has already scored one passing and one rushing touchdown.

Lincoln Riley Calls Trick Play

Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks to an official during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans need to keep winning to make the CFP, and are pulling out all the tricks in the book to drive down the field. In the second quarter of the game, the Wildcats' defense made a big stop on third down. The Trojans lined up to punt the ball, but Riley called a trick play instead.

It was a 4th-and-6, and instead of giving Northwestern the ball back, USC punter Sam Johnson completed a pass to wide receiver Tanook Hines. It was a 10-yard reception, resulting in a first down.

tricky tricky

📺 @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/d5nxEUZCH6

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) November 8, 2025

At the time of the play, the score was tied 7-7. Northwestern had just driven down the field, and the Trojans would have risked the Wildcats taking the lead on their next drive. The fake punt gave USC the first down, and in return, the offense drove down the field to take the lead as quarterback Jayden Maiava scored a six-yard rushing touchdown.

The Wildcats are putting up a fight against the Trojans, and Riley calling the trick play could be something that is looked back on as a reason USC potentially walks off with the win. 

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Trojans' defense has allowed big plays this season and cannot always be relied on. Ensuring the offense walks off with points as many drives as possible could be crucial in defeating the Wildcats.

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Why A Win Is Crucial For USC

Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) drops back to throw the ball in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans are ranked No. 19 in the CFP rankings, and while it will be an uphill battle, the team is not completely out of the race. While USC may need some up with other teams losing, the one thing that the Trojans can control is their own record.

The Trojans will have three games to go after facing Northwestern, two of which are against ranked opponents. If USC wins out, there is a chance the Trojans make the postseason, notably if the team defeats the No. 9 Oregon Ducks on Nov. 22.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

A loss against Northwestern could result in the Trojans losing their ranking and being out of CFP contention. USC has reached six wins and is bowl eligible, but the Trojans' sights are set on a CFP appearance.

The Trojans' defense will have to find a way to stop Northwestern running back Caleb Komolafe. The defense has a talented roster, but the Trojans have to find a way to finish tackles and break Komolafe's momentum.

Riley’s playcalling will continue to be something to watch after already pulling out a successful trick play against the Wildcats in the second quarter.