NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans travel back east to take on the Maryland Terrapins in a BIG10 matchup. Both teams are looking to bounce back and get back into the win column. The Trojans are coming off a disappointing 33-30 loss to Penn St., dropping their record to 3-3. Maryland is coming off a 37-10 defeat to Northwestern.
In their loss to Penn St., Trojans quarterback Miller Moss had a quiet game, completing 20-34 passes for 220 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Penn St. was able to take away the Trojans downfield passing attack, forcing Moss to throw short to medium passes. The Trojans pass attack will be challenged by the Terrapins’ defense as they allow an average of 258 passing yards per game. Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley will look to devise an attack that will open up the deep pass for Moss.
For the 2nd game in a row, Trojans WR Ja’Kobi Lane was a non-factor, accounting for 2 receptions for 18 yards. Makai Lemon led the Trojans with 6 receptions for 73 yards. Zachariah Branch was held to 2 receptions for 6 yards. Moss continues to spread the ball around, completing passes to 8 different receivers.
The Trojans rushed for 189 yards against Penn St. Woody Marks led the Trojans with 111 yards on 20 carries. Quinten Joyner accounted for 82 yards on 3 carries, including a 75-yard touchdown. Maryland has allowed an average of 106 rushing yards per game this season. Look for the Trojans to establish their running game early with Marks getting the bulk of the carries.
Maryland is led by quarterback Billy Edwards. For the season, Edwards has passed for 1740 yards with 11 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Tai Felton has been Edwards’s top target with 55 receptions for 719 yards and 5 touchdowns. Kaden Prather compliments Felton in Maryland’s passing attack, accounting for 34 receptions for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. Edwards will look to get both Felton and Prather involved in the Terrapins passing attack early in the game.
Maryland averages 132 rushing yards per game and will look to establish their running attack to keep the Trojans’ defense honest. Leading the Terrapins’ rushing attack is RB Roman Hemby, rushing for 379 yards with 3 touchdowns. Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will look to devise a scheme to slow down the Terrapins rushing attack. The Trojans’ defense did receive some bad news this past week as it was announced LB Eric Gentry will be redshirted the remaining season due to concussions. LB Mason Cobb will look to lead the Trojans defense in Gentry’s absence.
The Trojans and Terrapins are looking to get back in the win column. Look for the Trojans to use a balanced offensive attack to keep Maryland’s defense honest. Look for the Trojans to roll over a safety to provide deep pass coverage on Tai Felton to take away a deep pass. The Trojans will end their 2-game losing streak and improve their record to 4-3.
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