Coach Griff’s Game Plan: How Indiana Beats USC
By Coach Shannon Griffith | Hoosier Football Tailgate | November 13, 2026
The biggest thing Indiana has to do on offense Saturday is run the football efficiently. Give me four yards on first down, and I can come back with another run, throw off play-action, or take a shot to Nick Marsh or Charlie Becker. Give me second-and-10 all afternoon, and USC gets to dictate what we call.
I want the exact opposite when USC has the ball. Take away the easy yards, make Jayden Maiava play from behind the chains, and put pressure on him when the Trojans have to throw. Then win the two situations that finish drives: third down and the red zone.
Offense | Run efficiently and finish with touchdowns
1. Run the ball with efficiency. Look at what the run leaves you on the next snap. Four on first-and-10 keeps the whole playbook open. Two on second-and-1 moves the chains. Make USC defend the width of the formation and change up the blocking angles with power and counter when the front gives you a reason. If Grant Wilson starts, build designed quarterback runs into the plan. Make USC account for him as a runner from the opening series.
2. Take shots to Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker. Put those throws in the opening script. If a safety steps down to fit the run and leaves Marsh or Becker one-on-one, give the quarterback a chance to attack it. Use play-action and keep an extra blocker in when the shot needs time. I want to see those calls on early downs, when USC still has to honor the run.
3. Stay on schedule. First down sets up the series. A clean run or a quick completion can get Indiana to second-and-manageable. From there, the quarterback can take a calculated shot or keep moving the chains. A false start, a sack, or a run for a loss takes away those choices. Make USC defend the full playbook for as long as possible.
4. Win the money down. Indiana went 2-for-13 on third down against Minnesota. That has to change. Give the quarterback a quick answer if USC brings pressure, and make sure the primary route can get to the sticks. On third-and-short, keep the run in play. That’s where the work on first and second down pays off. Indiana’s official USC game notes
5. Score touchdowns in the red zone. Indiana reached the red zone four times against Minnesota and came away with one touchdown. Inside the 20, use formation and motion to help the quarterback identify coverage, and keep the run available so USC has to defend every gap. Inside the 10, have a call ready that gives Marsh or Becker a chance to win with leverage and size. Finish the drive with seven. Indiana’s official USC game notes
Defense | Make USC one-dimensional and hold it to field goals
1. Put pressure on Jayden Maiava. Maiava enters the game with 2,525 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. I want Indiana to make him reset his feet and get the ball out before his receivers finish their routes. Push the pocket from the inside, keep the edges disciplined, and make him feel four-man pressure. Mix in a fifth rusher when the down and distance favor it. USC’s official season statistics
2. Make USC one-dimensional. Start by taking away the run with sound fits and tackling. If USC can get four or five yards whenever it hands the ball off, Lincoln Riley can stay balanced and use play-action whenever he wants. Make the Trojans earn their yards through the air in obvious passing situations, when Indiana’s front can attack the protection.
3. Get USC off schedule. Win first down and make second-and-8 a regular occurrence. That means closing cutback lanes, tackling the quick throw where it’s caught, and avoiding penalties that give USC a fresh set of downs. Then finish the job on second down. A good first-down stop loses its value if the next play gives USC third-and-2.
4. Win the money down. USC has converted 49.5% of its third downs. When Indiana earns third-and-long, the rush and coverage have to work together. Make Maiava throw before he wants to, defend the sticks, and rally to anything underneath. A five-yard completion on third-and-8 should end the possession. USC’s official season statistics
5. Force field goals in the red zone. USC has scored touchdowns on 28 of 44 trips inside the 20. Communicate through motion and bunch formations, stay disciplined against the run, and close the throwing windows near the goal line. Make Maiava throw into tight coverage, then tackle the catch short of the goal line. Every time USC settles for three, Indiana’s offense has a chance to gain four points by finishing its own drive. USC’s official season statistics
Coach Griff’s Bottom Line
Watch the first quarter for two things. Is Indiana running well enough to take early-down shots to Marsh and Becker? Is USC facing third-and-long often enough for Indiana’s pass rush to get after Maiava? If the answer to both is yes, Indiana can control how this game is played. From there, move the chains on the money down, get seven in the red zone, and make USC kick for three.
