In a much-anticipated matchup, the USC Trojans are set to face the Purdue Boilermakers, aiming to secure their first Big Ten victory away from home. Despite dominating their nonconference rivals with a total score of 132-33, USC struggles with conference road games, having lost their first four last season.

The Trojans, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, have displayed formidable offensive power, with 12 players reaching the end zone in just two games. They rank first in the FBS for offensive touchdowns thus far.

Notably, Purdue, under the leadership of Barry Odom, is eager to break its streak of losses with a revamped roster that includes Devin Mockobee, who has already scored three touchdowns, and dynamic linebackers Mani Powell and Charles Correa, both of whom have made significant contributions on defense.

This matchup, the first between the teams in nearly three decades, is viewed as an essential test for both programs. Fans can catch the action live on CBS at 3:30 PM ET at Ross-Ade Stadium, with streaming options available on CBS Sports and Paramount+.

Key Details

• Date: Saturday, September 13
• Location: Ross-Ade Stadium – West Lafayette, Indiana

Live Updates: Follow here as USC and Purdue kick off their conference play.

USC’s Road Challenges

Last year, USC struggled significantly in their first season in the Big Ten, losing all their initial road games. To combat this, Coach Riley has restructured travel plans, even adjusting the aircraft for better comfort and efficiency.

Transfer Player Impact

Purdue leads all Power Four teams in new player acquisitions through the transfer portal, which head coach Barry Odom hopes will strengthen their competitive edge. With so much riding on this game, both teams will look to control the tempo and assert their strategy.

Prediction

While Purdue could pull off an upset, experts suggest maintaining a clear running game will be crucial. Given their high percentage of run plays, an effective execution against a USC defense that has struggled with the run could keep the game competitive.

Pick: Purdue +20.5