"But that's precisely when USC found its silver lining, with Makai Lemon scorching his way across the end zone, calling for the ball. All season, Lemon had made the big plays whenever the Trojan offense needed him. But no performance from its top wideout was bigger than Saturday, as Lemon came alive in the second half, helping deliver USC a 26-21 win over Iowa that would keep its playoff hopes intact for another week."
"USC's defense would do the rest, holding Iowa to a mere 108 yards after halftime. It was the third consecutive game in which the unit held an opposing offense to fewer than 110 yards and six points in the second half. A fortunate bounce wouldn't hurt, either. Just four plays after Lemon reeled in a 12-yard touchdown in traffic, a third-down pass from Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski was deflected directly toward freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart."
"Stewart picked off the pass, and USC took its first lead of the game six plays later when Bryan Jackson rumbled into the end zone for his second score of the day. Quarterback Jayden Maiava would shake off a shaky first half to help steady the Trojans in the second. But he owed much of his afternoon to Lemon's stellar efforts, as well as fellow wideout Ja'Kobi Lane, who had 65 yards, most of which came on catches that would rate difficult or impossible."
The rain slowed as USC mounted a second-half turnaround to beat Iowa 26-21 and keep College Football Playoff hopes alive for another week. Makai Lemon led the offense with 10 catches for 153 yards, including a third-quarter touchdown that shifted momentum. USC's defense dominated after halftime, limiting Iowa to 108 yards and marking a third straight game holding opponents under 110 yards and six points in the second half. A deflected pass was intercepted by freshman Jahkeem Stewart, and Bryan Jackson scored to put USC ahead. Jayden Maiava steadied the offense, with Ja'Kobi Lane contributing 65 yards on difficult catches.
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