3 things USC must accomplish to win its Big Ten opener against Rutgers

It is finally that time of year. The USC Trojans kick off their highly anticipated Big Ten conference schedule this season with a road trip to New Jersey to face a Rutgers team that is struggling to find its footing after dropping its first two games of the season.

For the Trojans, it is imperative to make quick work of the hosts. Here are the three things that must happen to secure victory:

Who wants to step in for the injured Trent Mosley?

In case you haven't heard, breakout true freshman playmaker Trent Mosley will be sidelined for this week’s matchup after sustaining a knee injury against Louisiana. While the long-term outlook remains unclear, the Trojans will at least be without their leading receiver this Saturday. Mosley has been electric to start the season, turning heads with record-breaking performances and explosive production in both the passing game and as a punt returner on the special teams unit.

The good news is that if there was ever a position group built to absorb a long-term injury, it is the Trojans' wide receiver room. While Trent Mosley has been explosive, the unit is incredibly deep. A primary reason Mosley saw significant playing time early in the season was that pre-season expected starters Tanook Hines and Terrell Anderson were easing back into action while nursing fall camp injuries.

Both players suited up against Louisiana and are now locked and loaded for this week’s matchup against Rutgers. Furthermore, Mosley is just one standout in an impressive true freshman class. Kayden Dixon-Wyatt has contributed heavily in his first three games and currently ranks second on the team in receiving yards, trailing only Mosley.

With additional depth from contributors like Boobie Feaster, and the potential to get creative with generational tight end Mark Bowman, the Trojans' passing attack remains dangerous despite the absence of their top playmaker.

Filling the void left by Mosley’s injury will require tactical creativity. I expect head coach Lincoln Riley to utilize his depth at wide receiver to put his playmakers in space, giving quarterback Jayden Maiava plenty of opportunities to exploit the Rutgers defense.

Can some additional depth on defense emerge?

Although the Trojans' defense has faced criticism through the first three games, those early results don't tell the full story. The starting unit, led by coordinator Gary Patterson, has been excellent, surrendering only a single touchdown throughout the non-conference slate. However, some concern is warranted regarding the secondary, which has shown occasional lapses.

While these issues are largely attributable to a lack of depth, the unit must sharpen its coverage. Don't get me wrong, pressure sacks are a welcome sight but consistent coverage is equally vital for this defense to reach its full potential.

This matchup presents a significant challenge, as Rutgers receiver KJ Duff remains one of the premier playmakers in the country. Regardless of the Scarlet Knights' ongoing struggles to solidify their quarterback position, Duff’s ability to impact the game is undeniable. The USC defense, specifically the secondary, must prioritize containing him to avoid the lapses that have plagued previous units.

Historically, USC has struggled to neutralize elite individual threats, often allowing them to dictate the tempo and turn comfortable leads into nail-biters or worse. Limiting Duff must be the defense’s primary objective on Saturday.

Trojans must avoid walking into an obvious trap

As the saying goes, "It's a trap!" Fittingly, this iconic line from Star Wars has a USC connection given that its creator, George Lucas, is a proud Trojan alumnus. However in this context, the phrase takes on an entirely new meaning. With a highly anticipated, season defining matchup against Oregon looming next week, it would be easy for USC to overlook a winless Rutgers team.

That would be a massive mistake. A winless record only makes the Scarlet Knights more desperate for a victory, and the Trojans cannot afford to look past the task at hand. There will be plenty of time to prepare for Oregon, but losing focus now would be catastrophic and could derail the trajectory of the entire season.

The Trojans have shifted their travel schedule, opting to depart on Thursdays rather than Fridays, and are reportedly utilizing NFL level accommodations for these road trips. This strategic change should not be understated.

The team is treating every away game like a business trip, as prioritizing proper travel logistics is essential for player readiness and success. By taking every measure possible to ensure comfort and preparation, the Trojans are positioning themselves to perform at their best despite the rigors of cross-country travel.

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