USC football has done it: The Trojans beat the Iowa Hawkeyes and prepared for a game against Oregon at Autzen Stadium next weekend, which could earn them a spot in the College Football Playoff if they win.
They did so in large part thanks to the brilliant play of Jayden Maiava. While the Trojans managed just 3.4 yards per carry, Maiava torched the Hawkeye secondary for 254 yards and a touchdown.
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I think this performance made Maiava the best quarterback in the country. Let’s break down all the reasons why this was so special and, coupled with his efforts throughout the season, why it should earn him wide consideration as the best QB in college football.
Iowa’s defense
This Iowa defense is a top 5 pass defense in the entire FBS. The Hawkeyes have a proven defense: They’ve faced Heisman candidate Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, Big Ten leader in passing yards Athan Kaliakmanis of Rutgers, Dante Moore of Oregon and star Rocco Becht of Iowa State.
None of them played as well as Maiava. Kaliakmanis had more yards but threw an interception and was much less effective in a loss to Rutgers. Mendoza had fewer completions and yards, a worse completion percentage and threw one interception. Moore was generally dominated by Mark Gronowski last week. The Becht Cyclones scored 16 points. Iowa’s defense had blocked every passer it faced — until Maiava.
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The elements
This match was played almost entirely in the rain. The rain is supposed to make it harder to throw the ball, and instead Maiava made some incredible, accurate throws throughout the game.
This is nothing new for Maiava, who also played well in wet conditions at Purdue and dominated CJ Carr in the rain at Notre Dame, despite USC losing. Like Trojan kicker Ryon Sayeri, Maiava doesn’t miss a step in the rain, which is hard to do.
The moment
As I mentioned, this puts USC in position to make the College Football Playoff if they can beat Oregon and UCLA to end the season. This also effectively eliminates Iowa from the CFP conflict.
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The Trojans had to come from behind 14-0 and 21-7 to get this victory. It was the clutch. And this continues a general trend of Jayden Maiava.
USC is 11-3 since Maiava became a starter last season. I would say at least 2/3 of these losses are due to poor play by USC’s defense (Notre Dame this year and Illinois this year in particular).
With the exception of USC’s loss to Notre Dame last season, Maiava finds a way to put USC in a position to win. Even in games in which he generally doesn’t play well for most of the contest (see: Vegas Bowl vs. Texas A&M last year and Nebraska game this year), Maiava finds a way to give USC a victory when it matters most.
Jayden Maiava is very, very clutch.
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Eliminate Nebraska’s performance
Jayden Maiava made some key mistakes throughout the season, including in USC’s losses to Illinois and Notre Dame, but he generally played a very good game for 60 minutes each week. Except against Nebraska.
Maiava’s struggles at Nebraska are largely attributed to the Huskers. They’re a top 5 pass defense in the country like Iowa, but unlike Iowa, they weren’t battle tested by a top QB before facing Maiava. Against Maiava, they proved their legitimacy. Nebraska fans also made it difficult in a blackout environment.
But after Maiava completed just 9/23 passes for 135 yards with 1 interception and 0 touchdowns, questions arose as to whether Maiava was good like the numbers say or if he was just feasting against poor pass defenses. Against Iowa, which is arguably a better pass defense than Nebraska, Maiava proved that it was a bad game he had because he’s still a human being and is overall a very, very good quarterback.
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The numbers
Jayden Maiava has the most passing yards of any quarterback whose team is still in contention for the College Football Playoff with 2,614. This also ranks second in the Big Ten. He also has 17 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. His 9.7 yards per attempt ties him for third in the country.
Critics will say his 17/6 touchdown-to-interception ratio doesn’t stand out. Other Big Ten quarterbacks from top teams, like Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, are both better in this category. But…
I still think Maiava is more talented
This is the eye exam. Maiava has it all from a talent standpoint: he has a rocket arm, great athleticism and a fearless mindset. He was decisive, beat two of the top five defenses in the country and was generally the Trojans’ MVP. I think Indiana and Ohio State would still be CFP contenders without Mendoza and Sayin.
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Where would USC be without Maiava?
So…Maiava for Heisman?
Not necessarily. Team success matters. If USC was 9-0 and Maiava had the same stat line, he would be the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza, Sayin and Marcel Reed (whom Maiava beat in the Vegas Bowl last season, let’s not forget) will likely attract a lot more Heisman attention. I also truly believe this is a season where a non-QB could win the trophy.
But remember, I’m not saying Jayden Maiava has the best stat line. I say he is the most talented and important quarterback in the country. If he doesn’t get the Heisman, that doesn’t undermine my argument.
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Not perfect
I don’t think Maiava is perfect either. I hope he considers coming back to USC next season so he can improve further. Part of the reason I think he’s one of the best is because the talent around him just isn’t that great.
But like I said, he’s really talented and USC fans should be grateful to be able to see him play every week.
Essential Oregon
Next week, USC plays Oregon, and guess what? By the numbers, Oregon has the best pass defense in the entire country. And it’s not even close.
This Duck D will have all the advantages of playing at home in a hostile Autzen Stadium.
There is a reason why I wrote this article now. I truly believe that Maiava will travel to Autzen next Saturday and play one of his best games of the season when it matters most. And if Maiava does that and can boast the numbers he put up playing 3 of the top 5 pass defenses in college football, he deserves to go to New York.
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So if I warn everyone now, maybe they’ll pay attention.
A little louder for the people in the back: IF JAYDEN MAIAVA BEATS THE BEST PASSING DEFENSE IN THE COUNTRY ON THE ROAD WITH A GREAT PASSING PERFORMANCE NEXT SATURDAY, HE HAS EARNED YOUR ADMISSION THAT HE IS THE BEST QUARTERBACK IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC’s Jayden Maiava earns Heisman consideration for strong play against Iowa
