LOS ANGELES — The USC Trojans secured a decisive 42-20 victory over Rutgers at the Coliseum on Friday night, bouncing back from a challenging season and showcasing their dominance on the field.
After a slow start, Rutgers managed to narrow USC’s lead to just eight points in the third quarter. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis connected on a 45-yard deep pass followed by a 25-yard touchdown, leaving the Trojans with an 18-point lead diminished to 28-20. However, this shift in momentum was short-lived.
On the very next play, sophomore wide receiver Makai Lemon stepped up with an explosive 80-yard kickoff return, setting the stage for a touchdown by running back Woody Marks. Shortly after, Lemon continued to shine, catching another pass from quarterback Miller Moss and sprinting for a 40-yard touchdown, effectively sealing the game for USC.
“Yeah, we really needed that bad,” said Marks, reflecting on the team’s performance. “It was important to come out and play dominant all four quarters.”
USC’s offense was relentless throughout the game, led by quarterback Moss, who went 20-of-28 for 308 yards, and Marks, who scored three times in the first half. Lemon finished with an impressive 256 all-purpose yards, marking a significant breakout performance.
Defensively, the Trojans were challenged by injuries that left them without several key players, including multiple starters in the secondary. Despite this setback, USC managed to record a season-high four sacks, demonstrating resilience under pressure.
Rutgers struggled to find their rhythm, having lost four straight games, and their defense has faltered recently, allowing a staggering 119 points over their last three matches.
Head coach Lincoln Riley praised his team’s mentality, emphasizing their focus on perseverance despite adversity. “We’re a no-excuses program,” he stated. “Whatever’s stacked up against us, we really don’t give a damn. We’re just going to keep going.”