USC Stuns No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 in Rain for Lincoln Riley's Biggest Win

USC beat No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 on Halloween night, the biggest win of Lincoln Riley's tenure, according to the Associated Press game story on USC's official site. A light, steady rain fell all night, per NBC Sports via Yahoo, and the Trojans played like the weather was theirs.

A freshman sets the tone

The game's first big swing came almost immediately. Freshman Trent Mosley hauled in a 69-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage, according to NBC Sports. He finished with five catches for 101 yards.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 222 yards and a touchdown, and King Miller and Waymond Jordan each ran for a score, per the AP.

Control at the half

USC led 20-9 at halftime, according to rg.org, citing USC's game recap. The box score line agrees: USC scored 14 and 6 in the first two quarters, Ohio State 3 and 6.

Ohio State's late answer falls short

The Buckeyes' only touchdown came late. Jeremiah Smith caught a 1-yard score with 2:12 remaining, NBC Sports reported, though the 2-point try failed. USC then recovered the onside kick and kicked its third field goal with 1:46 left. USC's scoring summary credits the touchdown pass to Luke Fahey.

Why it matters

The win ended some long waits, according to NBC Sports:

• It was USC's first win over a top-12 team in Riley's half-decade in charge.
• It was the Trojans' first win over a top-five opponent at the Coliseum since 2015.

For a program and a coach who had spent years looking for a signature night, a rainy Saturday against the nation's No. 2 team supplied one.