Late-Night Redemption: Trojans Silence Doubters in Explosive Win Over Big Ten Foe
While Los Angeles was captivated by other events on Friday night and much of the country had tuned out, USC returned to the Coliseum under the radar, determined to break free from a frustrating three-game slump. What unfolded under the lights was a resurgent Trojans squad that delivered a season-best performance with a decisive 42-20 victory over Rutgers.
Quarterback Miller Moss led the charge, igniting USC’s offense with a series of big plays, averaging over 9.2 yards per play. Moss showcased his arm with six explosive passes of 18 yards or more, while running back Woody Marks took control on the ground, tallying three first-half touchdowns. Rising star receiver Makai Lemon continued his breakout, racking up a career-high 134 yards and a touchdown, establishing himself as a primary offensive threat.
USC’s defense stepped up at critical moments, clamping down on Rutgers in the second half and keeping the Scarlet Knights from regaining momentum. Despite standout rusher Kyle Monangai pushing forward with Rutgers’ first 50-yard drive, the Trojans proved too powerful to overcome, especially after Moss connected with Lemon for a massive 70-yard play, setting up his own rushing touchdown just two snaps later.
This late-night comeback revealed a glimpse of USC’s potential, suggesting there may still be more to this season than meets the eye.
Trojans Unleash Firepower: USC Outlasts Rutgers in a High-Scoring Showdown
USC’s defense had its hands full with Rutgers, who dominated possession and kept up relentless pressure with 45 first-half plays to the Trojans’ 27. But when USC had the ball, their offense was electric, moving seamlessly downfield.
Quarterback Miller Moss was nearly flawless in the first half, completing 14 of his first 16 passes, including a touchdown connection with Kyle Ford. Running back Woody Marks was unstoppable on the ground, breaking through Rutgers’ defense for three touchdowns. All four of USC’s first-half drives ended with a trip to the end zone, and Rutgers managed to force the Trojans into third down only twice before halftime.
Yet USC’s defense faced mounting pressure as Rutgers edged closer to the goal line just before the half, aided by two pass interference calls. With the chance to cut USC’s lead to 12 points, Rutgers found itself within striking distance. But USC’s defense held strong—cornerback Prophet Brown dove to break up the first-down pass, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold’s pressure forced an incompletion on second down, and DeCarlos Nicholson, stepping up as backup corner, deflected a fade on third.
Rutgers settled for a field goal, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Trojans’ momentum on a night where USC was determined to make a statement.
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