LOS Angeles, LA— Woody Marks scored three touchdowns on the ground, Miller Moss added two touchdown passes and a rushing score, and Southern California snapped its three-game losing streak with a 42-20 win over Rutgers on Friday night.
The Trojans (4-4, 2-4 Big Ten) were dominant offensively, scoring on all four of their first-half possessions. Despite missing four starters in the secondary, USC’s injury-hit defense delivered timely stops when needed.
“It’s not so much relief as it is confirmation of who we are and what we believe in,” said Moss, who completed 20 of 28 passes for 308 yards. “The credit goes to the guys in that locker room and the staff. Everyone stuck together through adversity, and it feels great to finally close one out. Hopefully, we can build on this in the second half of the season.”
Marks contributed 142 yards from scrimmage, while Makai Lemon tallied 134 receiving yards and a touchdown on just four catches. Lemon also ignited USC’s early momentum with an 80-yard kickoff return that set up Marks’ second touchdown.
Rutgers (4-4, 1-4) suffered its fourth consecutive loss despite some bright moments. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw a 25-yard touchdown to Christian Dremel, and Antwan Raymond added a rushing touchdown.
USC’s offense looked much like it did in previous seasons under quarterback Caleb Williams, moving the ball effectively throughout the first half. The passing game accounted for 172 of the Trojans’ 244 first-half yards, with Moss connecting on 14 of 16 passes, including an 11-yard touchdown to Kyle Ford.
The Scarlet Knights closed the gap to 28-20 early in the third quarter. Kaliakmanis orchestrated a quick 70-yard drive, highlighted by completions to Dymere Miller and Dremel, followed by a successful two-point conversion on a trick play with receiver Chris Long passing back to Kaliakmanis.
However, USC responded immediately. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Lemon broke loose for a 70-yard reception, setting up Moss’ 7-yard touchdown run to extend the lead.
“We eliminated a lot of the mistakes that have hurt us in the past,” said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. “It sounds simple, but we just played better football.”
Kaliakmanis finished with 313 yards passing, while Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai rushed for 86 yards on 18 carries.
Defensive Breakthrough
USC’s pass rush, which had struggled throughout the season, came alive against Rutgers. The Trojans recorded a season-high four sacks, a significant improvement for a defense that had underwhelmed under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who was known for his success at UCLA.
“I think tonight was a true reflection of our defensive identity,” said linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. “We played physical, consistent football for all four quarters.”
Up Next:
Rutgers: Plays Minnesota on Nov. 9 at home.
USC: Visits Washington on Nov. 2.
