USC and Iowa will be facing off against each other with dark clouds looming above—literally. Bad weather is expected to be a major problem for the Week 12 game at the Coliseum. However, it’s also causing fans to miss out on a much-loved tradition. Heavy showers continue to spoil the fun for them yet again.

With Los Angeles reporting a 100% chance of rain today, USC has cancelled the Trojan Walk ahead of the Iowa game. The amount of rainfall expected will be enough to make this the “wettest November” for downtown LA since 1985, according to The LA Times. The condition is due to an atmospheric river storm moving towards LA, threatening flooding in key areas. In areas near to forest-fire affected zones, the LA County has instated evacuation protocol until 8 am. According to the National Weather Service, a thunderstorm can also happen.

This means the fans will get the first glimpse of the players inside the Coliseum itself for this game. It was a tradition brought back by Lincoln Riley himself in his first game as USC head coach, in 2022. It had died down before the COVID era itself, after the football program became lackluster since Clay Felton’s exit. But the unfavorable weather conditions forced USC to forego the practice, prioritizing fans’ safety. According to the preceding forecasts, the showers were to continue throughout the day. Some areas could be receiving 5 inches of rainfall today as well.

This will be yet another game that USC plays in the rain this season. Though there isn’t much talk of the game being delayed due to the weather, a thunder sighting will definitely push the clock. But the rain is something both USC and Iowa have to face from the get go. The Iowa clash is an important one for Lincoln Riley, who needs to win this to continue hoping for a chance in the playoffs. But USC is prepared for whatever the rain brings forward.

Lincoln Riley and Jayden Maiava ready for rainy challenge

Iowa enters as the underdog in this clash. USC has the home advantage here, but the rain will make it difficult for the passing game to run through as planned. The Trojans are the only side averaging more than 300 yards through the air and more than 200 yards on the ground. Jayden Maiava and Makai Lemon are a great threat in the passing game. However, the rain can force Riley to move to a run heavy game. Sadly, he has to bank on a depleted rushing corps, and King Miller and Maiava to pull through.

The last time USC played in wet conditions this season, it lost. That reminder will be a tough one for Riley, but he’s used it to prepare for this game. “We feel like we can function very close to normally, even if it’s wet,” Riley told the press on Friday. Jayden Maiava is also confident that the Trojans will have this one in the bag. “I think the weather can’t play too much of a big factor on how we perform,” Maiava said at the presser. “I think just our edge and our mindset going into it is going to determine how the game goes,” he added.

However, USC is also going up against a physical Iowa front seven, and a good defense overall. They will look to take advantage of the slippery ball, leading to upsets for the USC offense. “I think you got to be aware of it from a just ball security standpoint. Obviously, holding on to a football that is wet is different. It’s still very doable, but you got to be really good with your ball security,” Riley stressed. Iowa is looking to go out strong as it wraps up the 2025 season, and are also looking to commandingly win this game.

This is the first time in 9 years that USC is playing a home game in the rain. And, the downpour is going to be heavy, making it difficult for USC and Iowa to fight for victory. Will Lincoln Riley be able to impress fans (and administration) by winning this one?