By Sammy Corsa
(Photo/Sammy Corsa-The Mojo Network)
The No. 12 USC Trojans traveled across the country to face Rutgers on
Saturday afternoon, looking to remain undefeated as both teams opened Big
Ten conference play. Despite entering the matchup with an 0-2 record, the
Scarlet Knights gave USC a battle throughout the afternoon, keeping the
game within reach until the final minutes. However, a 99-yard interception
return for a touchdown by USC defensive back Prophet Brown proved to be a
turning point, helping the Trojans escape SHI Stadium with a 42-35 victory
and improve to 4-0 on the season.
Should Trojan Fans be Worried?
Following USC’s narrow victory over Rutgers, one question remains: Should
Trojan fans be worried? With a highly anticipated matchup against Oregon
up next, I would say no. Despite the close final score and challenge during
the game, Rutgers proved to be a tougher opponent than its 0-2 record
suggested with stars like KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond.
Rutgers came into Saturday’s matchup looking for its first win of the season
after a shaky start, and despite falling short, the Scarlet Knights gave the
Trojans everything they could handle. USC’s offense continued to produce
throughout the afternoon, with quarterback Jayden Maiava throwing for 277
yards and two touchdowns. However, the Trojans’ defense struggled to
contain Rutgers, allowing 35 points and keeping the Scarlet Knights within
striking distance until the final minutes.
Despite coming away with the victory, USC’s performance was far from
perfect, as several mistakes throughout the afternoon allowed Rutgers to
remain within striking distance. Wide Reciever KJ Duff made one of the most
impressive plays of the afternoon, hauling in an 11-yard touchdown pass
from Dylan Lonergan while managing to get a foot down in the corner of the
end zone. Duff finished the game with seven receptions for 86 yards and a
touchdown, while running back Antwan Raymond added 122 rushing yards
and a touchdown of his own. Lonergan also had a productive afternoon through the air, throwing for 252 yards and three touchdowns as the Scarlet Knights continued to challenge USC’s defense throughout the game.
USC ultimately escaped Piscataway with a 42-35 victory, improving to 4-0 on
the season. While the Trojans have several areas to improve on, Saturday’s
win showed their ability to overcome adversity and find a way to come out
on top. With a highly anticipated matchup against Oregon on the horizon,
USC will look to clean up its mistakes and carry its undefeated record into
one of its biggest tests of the season.