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The USC football team is gearing up for a Big Ten showdown with Rutgers on Friday in hopes of ending a three-game losing skid. Head coach Lincoln Riley opted to switch things up at practice this week, which sparked a bit of speculation amognst the fanbase.
Media was barred from watching the Trojans practice, leading many to believe that Riley had something to hide in his upcoming game plan.
Most immediately pointed at the quarterback position.
Starter Miller Moss has been effective throughout the year, averaging more than 275 passing yards per game. His 14:6 touchdown to interception ratio is more than respectable, and he’s done enough to keep the Trojans competitive in each contest.
Unfortunately, his late game struggles have hindered his team’s ability to close out games.
USC has led in the fourth quarter of all seven matchups this year, but they’re just 3-4. Since leading the offense to a last second win over LSU in the season opener, Moss has been ineffective in crunch time.
Why am I now open to seeing what Jayden Maiava can give #USC?
Miller Moss completed 5-of-6 passes for 49 yards on the final drive vs. LSU. Since then, he’s 12-of-25 on the final drives of games.
Two of Moss’s six INTs have come on final drives with time and down/s to spare.
— Alicia de Artola Castillo (@PenguinOfTroy) October 21, 2024
The Trojans have blown four fourth quarter leads and are just 1-4 in one-score games. Some have called for a change under center, and Lincoln Riley’s media ban had many believing that he was set on making a change.
Jayden Maiava is QB2 on the roster, a transfer from UNLV. After leading the Runnin’ Rebels to the MWC Championship Game last year, he opted to test his luck in the Big Ten.
While he’s yet to log notable snaps with USC, some thought the Trojans were ready to unleash their secret weapon.
Lincoln Riley shut those rumors down.
He was asked about a potential QB controversy leading into the Rutgers game. He says Miller Moss is still the guy.
Asked Lincoln Riley if Miller Moss is still USC’s starting QB v. Rutgers.
Riley: “Of course.”
More to come from Riley’s presser pic.twitter.com/UT241IpaRr
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) October 22, 2024
That’s not to say Maiava won’t be used in some capacity, but Moss still holds the keys to the offense.
The news makes USC’s media availability decision this week at practice all the more intriguing. We’ll have to wait until Friday to see of any potential secrets Lincoln Riley has up his sleeve.