NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans return to the LA Coliseum to take on Rutgers in a Friday night BIG10 matchup. The Trojans are looking to pick themselves off the deck as they have lost 3 straight games dropping their record to 3-4. Rutgers looks to get back into the win column after falling to UCLA 35-32, bringing their record to 4-3.
Quarterback Miller Moss leads the Trojans offensive attack. On the season, Moss has passed for 1954 yards with 14 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. In their game against Maryland, Moss completed 34-50 passes for 336 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Moss continues to spread the ball around, completing passes to 9 different receivers. Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley will look to have a more balanced offensive attack against Rutgers.
Receiver Mark Lemon was Moss’ go to receiver against Maryland, hauling in 8 receptions for 89 yards. Ja’Kobi Lane and Zachariah Branch have been relatively non-factors recently in the Trojans passing attack. Both were held to 4 receptions against Maryland. The Trojans saw TE Lake McRee return to the lineup. With McRee back, it gives Moss another trusted weapon in the Trojans passing game.
The Trojans got away from their running game that has had recent success, rushing for 81 yards on 24 carries against Maryland. Woody Marks led the way with 82 yards on 17 carries. Quinten Joyner saw limited action, accounting for 6 yards on 3 carries. Look for the Trojans to establish their running game early against Rutgers with Marks getting the bulk of the carries. Joyner should be expected to see more time in the backfield for the Trojans.
Rutgers offense is led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. On the season, Kaliakmanis has passed for 1337 yards with 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Dymere Miller is Kaliakmanis’ top target in the passing game. On the season, Miller has 26 receptions for 349 yards and 1 touchdown. Similar to the Trojans, Rutgers will spread the ball around as Kaliakmanis has completed passes to 13 different receivers this season. Kaliakmanis does have a core group of receivers he will target more often. Outside of Miller, Ian Strong, KJ Duff, Chris Long and Kenny Fletcher have been the top 5 targets for Rutgers passing attack. Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will look to devise a pass coverage scheme to limit the production of Rutgers passing attack.
Rutgers will go to their running game early, as they average 190 rushing yards per game. Leading the way is RB Kyle Monangai. On the season, he has rushed for 860 yards with 10 touchdowns. Though the bulk of the carries, the Trojans defense should expect RB’s Samuel Brown and Antwan Raymond to see action in Rutgers backfield. The Trojans defensive line will look to get off their blocks and close up the inside running lanes to contain Rutgers rushing attack. The outside defenders will need to maintain outside containment and not allow Rutgers running backs to get to the outside.
The Trojans have lost by a combined total of 14 points. In their 4 losses, the Trojans have lost in OT and given up game-winning scores in the final minutes of the game. Coach Riley and defensive coordinator have worked diligently this week to address their end-of-game collapses and Trojan fans will see the results of their work. Look for the Trojans to end their 3-game losing streak and even their record to 4-4.
Trojans. 34
