USC could be without several starters in the secondary vs. Rutgers

Tonight, the USC Trojans face a Rutgers team that is expected to rely heavily on its ground game. Thankfully, the Scarlet Knights are just 104th nationally in passing yards per game because the Trojans could be without as many as four key players in the secondary for this matchup.

It is being reported by a number of media sources, including Matt Zenitz of CBSSports and 247Sports, that safety Kamari Ramsey, and cornerbacks Jaylin Smith, Jacobe Covington, and Greedy Vance are all listed as "doubtful" to play against Rutgers. That would deal a huge blow to an already thin USC defense.

All four of those defensive backs are in the top ten on the USC roster in tackles. Between them, they have combined for 104 tackles (8.5 for loss) and eight passes defended in 2024.

Ramsey would be the biggest loss, especially against a run-heavy Rutgers team. A physical safety who is not afraid to come forward and play the run, he is second on the team with 37 tackles this year. He also leads the Trojans with 4.5 tackles for loss.

Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights are also dealing with injuries, especially when it comes to their passing game. In addition to tight ends Kenny Fletcher and Victor Konopka, who are out for the season, they will also be without their second-leading receiver Ian Strong on Friday night. Strong has 16 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown as a freshman this year.

Thus, both teams will see their depth tested tonight at the Coliseum. Hopefully, the Trojans will find enough players to step up on defense to slow down a Scarlet Knight offense that ranks only 76th in the nation in total offense.