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3 halftime observations from Ohio State vs. USC

Ohio State entered halftime trailing 20-9 in a hard-fought Big Ten clash against USC, with the Trojans’ explosive offense dictating early momentum. USC’s freshman sensation Trent Mosley set the tone with a 69-yard touchdown reception on the second play from scrimmage, later adding 101 receiving yards and a 44-yard punt return for another score.

Ohio State’s offense, despite moving the ball effectively with 192 total yards, failed to capitalize in the red zone, settling for two field goals after stalling on consecutive drives—one ending with a near-interception and another after a disputed call on a potential touchdown play. The Buckeyes’ struggles to convert near the goal line, combined with USC’s ability to exploit big-play opportunities, left them searching for answers in the second half.

Despite the offensive line’s questions and the absence of starting quarterback Julian Sayin, Ohio State’s Heisman hopeful Jeremiah Smith remained a dominant force. Smith was the focal point of the Buckeyes’ first drive, catching a pass from freshman quarterback Luke Fahey, and continued to draw attention as the team’s primary weapon.

USC’s defense, however, held firm in critical moments, forcing Ohio State into field-goal range and maintaining a commanding lead. The Buckeyes’ ability to contain Mosley and improve red-zone efficiency will be key to their chances of a comeback in Los Angeles.

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