USC Escapes Rutgers in Big Ten Opener; Key Performers and Concerns
No. 12 USC beat Rutgers 42-35 in their Big Ten opener, but the win was far from comfortable. Running back King Miller rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown, though the offense stalled after early drives. The defense was pushed around by Rutgers' physical play, and coach Lincoln Riley leaned on the run game when passing faltered.
USC's 42-35 victory over Rutgers was far from dominant, with the Trojans relying on a late surge to secure the win. Running back King Miller finished with 16 carries for 102 yards, while Riley Wormley provided a spark with a 27-yard run and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 11-of-19 passes for 178 yards and a score in the first half, including a 52-yard touchdown to Corey Simms.
The offense struggled with consistency, committing four penalties for 30 yards and stalling after early drives. Coach Lincoln Riley leaned on the run game when passing faltered, but the unit abandoned it in the second half. The defense was pushed around by Rutgers' physical play, raising concerns about toughness as conference play intensifies.
This narrow win may signal that USC's transition to the Big Ten brings tougher, more physical matchups than expected. For fans and analysts, it could reshape perceptions of the Trojans' championship viability, as close games against unranked opponents often raise doubts. Players and coaches may face increased pressure to correct discipline and defensive issues. The result could also influence playoff rankings and recruiting narratives, with close wins potentially overshadowing the team's talent advantage.