Iowa at #17 USC Game Preview & Prediction

A classic Big Ten clash of styles heads to the West Coast as the physical, defense-first Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Los Angeles to take on the high-powered USC Trojans. This Week 12 matchup pits two teams with contrasting philosophies against each other, with significant implications for the conference standings.

Game Details

Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2) at #17 USC Trojans (5-2)
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Spread: USC -6.5
Total: 48.5

What to Watch For

Can Iowa’s Defense Ground the Trojans?The Hawkeyes come into this game with a 6-2 record built on their signature brand of football: suffocating defense and a methodical, ball-control offense. Their formula is to grind out long drives, limit opponent possessions, and win the field position battle.

However, Iowa has not been immune to the injury bug. The running back room took a major hit when Timothy Caffey was ruled out for the season with a knee injury in early October. The team has battled through various ailments, with a lengthy injury report ahead of their October game against Wisconsin that included Jaziun Patterson, Shahid Barros, and Terrell Washington Jr. On a positive note, Iowa saw a player named Vonnahme come off the injury report on November 7 and make an immediate impact, a sign they may be getting healthier at a crucial time.

Will Injuries Derail USC’s Offense?The 5-2 Trojans have the offensive firepower to run any team out of the building, but their depth has been severely tested this season. According to reports from USC’s Week 7 game against Michigan, the team has been dealing with "numerous injuries." The biggest question mark surrounds star running back Waymond Jordan, who was expected to miss multiple weeks after injuring his ankle on October 12. His availability for this game a month later is a major storyline to watch.

The Trojans have seen several key players, including Paige and McRee, listed as questionable for games this season, forcing them to rely on their depth. They will need their playmakers healthy to solve an Iowa defense that rarely gives up explosive plays.

Prediction

This game will be decided by whether Iowa’s defense can impose its will on a banged-up but talented USC offense. The point spread of USC -6.5 and a low total of 48.5 clearly respects the Hawkeyes’ ability to slow games to a crawl.

USC is playing at home and still possesses more top-end talent, which should be enough to secure a victory. However, Iowa’s style is perfectly suited to keeping games close and covering spreads as an underdog. The Hawkeyes’ defense will do enough to frustrate the Trojans and keep them from pulling away. Expect a physical, low-scoring affair that comes down to the final quarter.

Prediction: USC 24, Iowa 20