Miller Moss and USC Trojans Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Rutgers

USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss is at the helm as the team prepares to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a crucial matchup. This game marks the first-ever encounter between the two teams and is set to take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Friday night.

Moss, a redshirt junior, has been a key figure in the Trojans’ offense, throwing for 1,954 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Despite his strong performance, the Trojans have struggled with a three-game losing streak, including a recent heartbreaker against the Maryland Terrapins where Moss threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns but ultimately fell short 29-28.

Under Coach Lincoln Riley, Moss has been involved in a pass-heavy game plan, with the Trojans averaging 42.4 pass attempts per game, the third-most in college football. However, this approach has not yielded the desired results, with USC suffering four losses before Halloween. Moss’s lack of mobility, unlike previous quarterbacks under Riley such as Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts, has forced adjustments in the play-calling.

The upcoming game against Rutgers presents an opportunity for the Trojans to exploit the Scarlet Knights’ weak run defense, which is tied for No. 98 in the country. Coach Riley may opt for a more balanced approach, utilizing running backs Woody Marks and Quinten Joyner more heavily. Marks has been the most consistent player on the Trojans’ offense, with 661 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns this season.

Moss has also faced challenges with interceptions, throwing one in each of the Trojans’ five Big Ten games this season, often at critical moments. A strong running game could alleviate some of this pressure and help the Trojans secure a much-needed win.

Despite the current struggles, Coach Riley remains confident in Moss’s abilities, emphasizing the need for overall team improvement rather than pinpointing a single issue. The game against Rutgers is crucial not only for breaking the losing streak but also for keeping the Trojans in contention for a bowl game).