No. 18 USC Wastes Red-Zone Chances, Falls 27-13 at Indiana

USC came into the game 95th nationally in red-zone conversions. The numbers did not improve in Bloomington.

The costliest miss came early in the fourth quarter. Trailing 20-13, USC drove to Indiana's six-yard line without facing a third down. Maiava threw for the end zone, and Indiana linebacker Isaiah Jones stepped in front of the pass and intercepted it.

That was Maiava's second interception of the night. USC also dealt with dropped interceptions by Indiana defenders, rampant penalties and special teams problems, according to the game report.

Defense held, until the big plays

The USC defense kept the Trojans in range for most of the game. It held Indiana, the defending national champion, to 181 yards in the first half.

But the unit gave up nine plays of 15 yards or more. Indiana's other 53 plays averaged just three yards.

"They had a great game plan for us," defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren said. "Just a few plays we need back."

Playoff window closes

Indiana improved to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. USC went into the game after its biggest win of Riley's tenure, an upset of No. 2 Ohio State, and a bye week spent preparing only for the Hoosiers.

The Trojans had hoped to win their last four games and sneak into the playoff field. The third loss almost certainly eliminates them from contention and, barring unforeseen circumstances, from the Big Ten championship game.

Riley entered the game having lost seven of eight against ranked opponents. USC has not reached the playoff in five years under him. Last December he said, "I really believe a window here has opened up."

"We've definitely come a long way as a program," Riley said after the loss. "But we still have a ways to go. Closing out games like that are what you have to do to be the best."

USC has three games remaining, including a meeting with UCLA.