Instead, a dramatic game ended with a deflating result. Illinois defeated USC 34-32 on a walk-off 41-yard field goal by David Olano as time expired, a bounceback victory for the Illini that left the Trojans to face the same familiar questions in year four under Riley.

The previously unbeaten Trojans nearly overcame their problems by taking a late lead, but the Illini answer with a field goal as time expires.

The USC Trojans suffered their first loss of the season, falling to 34-32 to No.22 Illinois on the road. After a slower first half, the Trojans found their footing, but Illinois ultimately took control with a weak USC pass defense and excessive penalties.

On Saturday, USC football suffered its first loss of the 2025 season, falling 34-32 on the road at Illinois. Prior to the game, I gave five predictions for the contest. How did my picks fare? Let’s take a look back at them and see.

USC football legend and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart owned his prediction in front of Illinois fans. Former quarterback Matt Leinart picked against Illinois and rolled with his alma mater USC football Saturday. That came before he watched his Trojans lose in walk-off fashion to the Illini.

Few college football experts foresaw the Illini staving off the Trojans at home on Saturday. Let's go back to take a look at some pregame predictions:

USC had to earn the benefit of the doubt against Illinois. It did not, and all of Lincoln Riley's flaws were exposed again

On a picture-perfect day in Champaign last Saturday, beautiful chaos reigned. Here's a look at a classic college football game in photos.