"Can USC Exploit Iowa's Fatal Flaw?" | Trojans vs Hawkeyes Football Preview

In this USC vs Iowa preview, we break down how weather, play style, and matchups will shape this physical Big Ten showdown.

Iowa and defensive coordinator Phil Parker will look to eliminate USC’s deep passing attack, forcing the Trojans to rely on their dominant offensive line. Under Lincoln Riley, USC has been rushing for 200+ yards per game, and that ground game will be the key to controlling the tempo.

With rain in the forecast, the conditions favor Iowa’s conservative, grind-it-out identity. The Hawkeyes want an old-school Big Ten game — “three yards and a cloud of dust” — relying on methodical, low-risk football. Their offense isn’t a passing threat or an explosive run team, but they are the classic “death by a thousand cuts” group that punishes mistakes and controls field position.

For USC, the linebackers must play one of their best games of the season to shut down Iowa’s slow, physical approach. And offensively, Jayden Maiava and the Trojans must play clean, penalty-free, turnover-free football against one of the toughest, most disciplined defenses in the nation.

This matchup is all about physicality, discipline, and execution — and USC will need to match Iowa’s toughness to leave with a win.

Llincoln Riley looks to show Kirk Ferentz that USC is ready on both sides of hte line of scrimmage to play physical and fast.

Fight On.

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Lincoln Riley is the USC Trojans Football Head Coach for the 2025 College Football Season. The Trojans look to capitalize on an offseason full of momentum and improve their Big Ten play for 2025.

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