Trojans Overcome Scarlet Knights to Snap Losing Streak

© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In a Big Ten Conference matchup played before a sparse crowd in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the USC Trojans (4-4, 2-4) notched a 42-20 victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-4, 1-4.) Southern Cal came into the game on the heels of three consecutive losses against conference opponents to whom they relinquished fourth-quarter leads, and on a busy sports night in the Los Angeles area (including Game 1 of the World Series), there were plenty of empty seats in the Coliseum.

The Coliseum's seating capacity is 77,000. Although USC announced during the game that 63,404 tickets were sold, Sports Illustrated described the Coliseum as "shockingly empty."

Game Summary

For a team snakebitten by dubious officiating in the first half of the season, the game began ominously for the Trojans, when their opening drive was capped by a pass from Miller Moss to sophomore wide receiver Zachariah Branch that was ruled a touchdown on the field, only to have replay officials step in and controversially overturn the call.

© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Fox Sports commentators criticized the reversal, noting the absence of indisputable video evidence to overturn the on-field call.

Unlike other missed calls and blown calls that impacted the outcomes of USC games, this officiating blunder did not alter the result of the contest. Indeed, moments after the replay reversal, the Trojans' star running back, Woody Marks scored on a short touchdown run. That was the first of 3 TDs Marks scored in the first half, guiding USC to a 28-12 halftime lead.

The Scarlet Knights narrowed the lead to 28-20 midway through the third quarter on a 25-yeard TD pass from quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to senior WR Christian Dremel, followed by a two-point conversion.

The Trojans responded promptly, scoring on a four-play 75-yard drive and never looked back.

The game, which began at 11 p.m. EST on Oct. 25, did not conclude until 2:42 a.m. EST on Oct. 26.

Although the Scarlet Knights dominated time of possession, running 89 plays, compared to only 51 for the Trojans, USC outgained Rutgers, averaging 8.7 yards per play, while the Scarlet Knights averaged only 4.9 yards per play.

Trojans Stats Leaders

Moss' stat line was impressive. He completed 20-of-28 passes for 308 yards and 2 TDs, with zero interceptions.

Marks was a key offensive weapon for USC, gaining 94 yards on the ground and 48 yards through the air.

Sophomore WR Makai Lemon also had a big night for the Trojans, with 134 receiving yards, including a 40-yard TD reception. In addition, he excelled on special teams, with 122 yards in kickoff returns.

© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Up Next

In the week ahead, the Scarlet Knights have a bye. Next on their docket is a matchup with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-3, 2-2) on Nov. 9 in SHI Stadium at Piscataway, N.J. On Nov. 2, the Trojans take on the Washington Huskies (4-3, 2-2) in Seattle.