USC vs. Rutgers: A Clash of Reeling Sides in Week 9
As the autumn leaves begin to change, so too do the fortunes of college football teams. This Friday night, two struggling programs, the University of Southern California (USC) and Rutgers University, face off in a crucial matchup at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Both teams entered the season with high hopes but have found themselves in the throes of a disappointing stretch, making this game vital for reclaiming momentum.
USC: From Thrilling Opener to Disheartening Decline
The USC Trojans commenced their season with a bang, defeating the LSU Tigers with a nail-biting score of 27-20. Unfortunately, since that electrifying opener, things have taken a turn for the worse. With a record of 3-4, the Trojans have lost four of their last five games, including a difficult three-game losing streak where each loss was by a single score.
Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s offense continues to display talent, ranking 10th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) according to SP+. However, the team has struggled with turnovers, committing 11 thus far, which puts them at 83rd in the nation. Additionally, their inability to generate big plays has been stark; they rank a dismal 122nd in passing explosiveness, with their quarterback, Miller Moss, struggling to push the ball downfield.
On the defensive side, first-year Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn faces significant challenges. His unit ranks 60th overall but is allowing a staggering 70% completion rate—placing them 131st in the country. The Trojans’ defense has also been ineffective against the run, ranking 97th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play, revealing cracks in a once-dominant defense.
Rutgers: A Promising Start Collapses
In stark contrast, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights began their season brightly, achieving a solid 4-0 record, including nail-biting victories against Virginia Tech and Washington. However, the optimism quickly faded as Rutgers fell into a three-game losing streak, culminating in a heartbreaking 35-32 defeat to UCLA.
Head Coach Greg Schiano’s squad has struggled largely due to ineffective offensive execution. With the passing game ranking 127th in completion rate, they have frequently found themselves stalling drives and unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Compounding their woes is a defensive line that has been gashed consistently, allowing a 50% rushing success rate, which ranks 121st in the FBS. As they prepare for the daunting task of traveling across three time zones on a short week, Rutgers must find a way to remedy their flaws quickly.
Game Day Information: When and How to Watch
For fans eager to catch all the action, the game details are as follows:
- Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
- Time: 11:00 PM EST
- Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
- Broadcast: BTN
As college football enthusiasts await this matchup, NBC Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including analysis, betting odds, player updates, and predictions from their expert staff.
Betting Insights: The Odds Favor USC
As of now, USC enters as the favorite, with the opening line at -13.5 quickly shifting to -14.5 by Monday morning. The moneyline indicates USC at -650 to -530, while Rutgers is sitting at +390 to +460. The total points for the game have held steady around 54 to 54.5, showcasing expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
NBC Sports Betting Analyst Eric Froton suggests that despite both teams’ struggles, points could be available. “Both programs are on three-game losing streaks and desperately need a win to stop the slide," he notes. He favorably sees the game total set at over 54.5 points—a nod to the offensive talent present despite recent inadequacies.
Quarterback Showdown: Moss vs. Kaliakmanis
Perhaps the most scrutinized match-up will be at quarterback. For USC, junior Miller Moss has the arduous task of filling shoes left by the departed Heisman winner, Caleb Williams. While he has thrown for 1,947 yards and a respectable 14-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, his short-yardage tendencies have limited the offense’s explosiveness.
Rutgers counters with Athan Kaliakmanis, a Minnesota transfer who has managed the offense with stability but not without difficulty. Completing just 53% of his passes, he faces an uphill battle against a USC secondary that, while struggling, can still create game-changing plays.
Recent Trends and Key Stats
Both teams come into this game with glaring stats that tell a broader story of their seasons:
- USC’s Moss has managed only two pass attempts over 40 yards this season, resulting in a mere 0.7% explosive play rate—the second-lowest in the FBS.
- Meanwhile, Rutgers has been especially porous to passing threats, allowing running backs an average of 41.3 receiving yards per game, ranking them 9th highest in the nation.
- Rutgers has an impressive average of 2.1 rushing touchdowns per game, but they will need to overcome USC’s defense, which is allowing an alarming 1.6 rushing touchdowns per game.
As both teams desperately seek a turnaround, Friday night’s game could serve as a pivotal moment for either program. Will USC capture its season back with a much-needed win, or will Rutgers find a way to reclaim its early-season success?
Conclusion
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans will be eagerly anticipating this clash at the Coliseum. For both USC and Rutgers, the stakes are high, and every yard will count as they each look to shift their season’s trajectory. With talent on both sides and mounting pressure for a breakthrough, this matchup promises to be an exciting battle worth watching.
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