On Friday, Rutgers football (4-3, 1-3) will travel to the West Coast to face USC (3-4, 1-4) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Scarlet Knights will try to shake off a three-game losing streak as RU gears up for their third all-time trip to California. Rutgers’ matchup against USC marks the fifth-longest trip in program history. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX and follows Game 1 of the MLB World Series.
Last week, the Scarlet Knights lost 35-32 to the UCLA Bruins in its 90th annual Homecoming game. Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai scored three rushing touchdowns in the first meeting on the gridiron between the Scarlet Knights and the Bruins. Rutgers football recorded 422 yards of total offense and scored on all five trips to the red zone (four touchdowns). Monangai finished with 106 rushing yards on 19 carries for his fourth game of the season in triple figures.
Meanwhile, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis passed for a season-high 287 yards. He added his fourth career rushing touchdown, the first of the year. Wide receiver KJ Duff collected a career-high 82 receiving yards, while Dymere Miller had a team-high five receptions.
As for USC, the Trojans lost to Maryland 28-29 in a heartbreaking last-minute loss on the road at SECU Stadium. Quarterback Miller Moss had a stellar performance, completing 34-of-50 (.680) passes for 336 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. It was the fourth-career 300-yard passing game for Moss and the third game this season with three touchdowns. Also, it marked the second time this season Moss has recorded at least 50 passing attempts (he tallied 51 passing attempts versus Michigan).
Rutgers Football vs. USC Trojans
Rutgers will travel 2,431 miles to take on USC for the first time in program history. The Scarlet Knights are set for their third trip to California, previously visiting Fresno State (2013) and Cal (1999). Rutgers is 106-68-1 all-time when playing a team for the first time. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano previously coached at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as an assistant coach for Penn State in 1990 and 1991.
Key Players for Rutgers
Heading into this matchup, the Scarlet Knights’ defense is gearing up to face an explosive USC offense. USC likes to spread the football around and the Rutgers’ secondary will look to slow the Trojans down. Rutgers’ defense will face a quarterback in Moss who ranks sixth in the nation (and No. 2 in the Big Ten) in completions per game with 26.14.
Linebacker Dariel Djabome, defensive back Shaquan Loyal, and defensive lineman Kyonte Hamilton will be key players for the Scarlet Knights’ defense. Djabome leads the team with 66 tackles, ranking 15th nationally and third in the Big Ten with 9.4 tackles per game. Also, Loyal leads the team with seven passes defended (five breakups, and two interceptions). Nine players have recorded a sack on the defensive line, with Hamilton posting 2.5 so far.
On offense, the Rutgers’ offensive line is a must-watch for the Scarlet Knights. The offensive line earned a spot on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll. The Joe Moore Award annually honors the top offensive line in college football based on toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique, and finishing. The Scarlet Knights have recorded no sacks in seven games since 2023 and 15 with no more than one permitted.
Key Players for the Trojans
On offense, USC wide receivers have seven receptions for 20 or more yards in close and late situations this season, which is the most among FBS Teams. USC has some explosive weapons on the outside and in the backfield.
Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is a must-watch on the Trojans’ offense. Lane has recorded 27 catches for 303 yards and five touchdowns this season. Also, he has six first-down receptions in close and late situations this season, which is tied for most among FBS wide receivers.
Keep an eye out for Trojan running back Woody Marks. With his 4 receptions against Maryland, Marks extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 52, the longest active streak in the nation.
On defense, keep an eye out for safety Kamari Ramsey. In the last two games, Ramsey is tied for fourth in the Big Ten in tackles with 19. USC ranks No. 3 in the nation (and No. 1 in the Big Ten) in third down conversion percentage defense (0.253). Also, the Trojans have allowed just 3.6 yards per attempt on third-and-long this season, ranking second-best in the FBS.
Rutgers’ Keys to Success
Special teams, penalties, red zone defense, and turnovers will be x-factors for the Scarlet Knights. Through seven games, Rutgers football ranks second nationally in blocked punts (2), fourth in fewest penalties per game (3.86), 13th in red zone defense (71.4 percent), and 21st in fewest turnovers surrendered (6).
Limiting explosive plays and forcing the Trojans to field goal attempts will be the keys to victory for RU. Also, ball protection on offense will be an area to focus on, not allowing the Trojans to have extra offensive possessions. Rutgers has a 15-1 record since 2020 when not committing a turnover in a game and will look to continue that winning trend against USC.
Mike Cavallo
A sportswriter for The League Winners covering all Rutgers athletics. Follow my social media page for all coverage of Rutgers sports. X (Twitter): @M_Cavs55