Trojans Try to Turn the Tables by Taking Down Rutgers

Oct 23, 20242 min read

USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights — © Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

In a clash between two teams languishing in the cellar of the Big Ten Conference standings, the USC Trojans (3-4, 1-4) host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-3, 1-3) at 11 p.m. EST on Oct. 25 at United Airlines Field in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

After beginning the season 4-0, the Scarlet Knights have dropped their last three games to the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2, 2-2), Wisconsin Badgers (5-2, 3-1) and UCLA Bruins (2-5, 1-4).

The Trojans began their season with a promising win over the No. 8 LSU Tigers (6-1, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) but have lost four of their first five Big Ten matchups. USC fans and alumni are quickly losing patience.

The Stakes

The Trojans and Scarlet Knights are both at risk of becoming bowl ineligible. Furthermore, the head coaches of both programs—Lincoln Riley and Greg Schiano—are now on the hot seat. The fanbases of both programs are fed up with the rapid downturns the teams have taken. The losing coach in this game might be on the way out.

Stellar Scarlet Knights

Terrific senior running back Kyle Monangai leads the way for the Rutgers offense. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry, the New Jersey native has rushed for 860 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Scarlet Knights offense is remarkably balanced, with 1,426 yards gained on the ground and 1,332 through the air. To get in the end zone, Rutgers relies more on the run game, scoring 14 of its 21 offensive TDs on the ground.

Top Trojans

Despite outgaining its opponents on the ground (1,018-93 yards) and through the air (2,020-1,565 yards), USC has a losing record through its first seven games. Hence, the dissatisfaction with Riley amongst Trojans fans and alumni.

Although RBs Woody Marks and Quinten Joyner have been stellar, rushing for 695 and 300 yards, respectively, with 5 TDs for Marks and 3 for Joyner, Riley seems allergic to sticking with the run game.

The coach's temptation to rely on the passing attack is understandable, insofar as the Trojans' receiving corps consists of elite athletes, including Zachariah Branch, Duce Robinson, Ja'Kobi Lane, Lake McRee and Kyron Hudson.

In any event, Riley needs to find the formula to win soon, as patience is wearing thin in Southern California.