Throughout the four games of this season, he did everything he could to dispel lingering doubts about him as he began his quarterback.
Maiava averages 12.7 yards per pass this season, higher than any other quarterback in college football. His completion rate has risen by more than 11 points (70.8%) since last season. He threw nine pass touchdowns and added four to the ground, but has yet to flip the ball over after throwing nine picks with the same number of starts in 2024.
Certainly, during the Trojans’ 4-0 start, Myava has yet to face a pass defense that ranks within the top 100 with allowed passing yards per attempt. Also, he or no one has faced much in the way of adversity regarding the USC attack. The Trojans scored more than 52 points per game, earning their first four points with an average margin of 32.
But this week the level of competition was ratchet. USC’s next three opponents rank in the top 25 each, but three of the next four games took place on Saturday and ranked in the top 10 before Indiana destroyed it last weekend.
If USC wants to make the college football playoffs, then Maiava will be needed to prove that his fast start in September was not a fluke. I don’t want Maiava to change significantly from the first four weeks.
“Continue to do what you’re doing,” Riley said.
“He’s stable. He’s in good headspace. There are many challenges. You’re mistakes here and there. That’s where your experiences come into play.
Illinois hasn’t rattled any competent quarterbacks this season. Duke’s Darian Mensa threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns in the second week, while Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza dropped five scores at the Illini Secondary last Saturday. The injury only made the issue worse as he lost all the Big 10 slot corner Xavier Scott to a potential injury that ended the season, losing the safety of the concussion protocol and another cornerback in the walking boot. The other two defensive backs also left Illinois’ final game and suffered some kind of injury.
This stage is set for Myava to make a big statement on Saturday in one of this week’s marquee matchups. Here are other things USC should keep an eye on when they play in Illinois:
