USC Football: Key Takeaways from the Trojans’ Loss to Minnesota—What Went Wrong?
A tough fourth quarter resulted in USC’s second loss in three weeks, falling 24-17 to Minnesota on Saturday night. This defeat was both humbling and enlightening for the Trojans. Here are some key takeaways from the game.
1. USC’s offense is struggling significantly, especially in generating explosive plays. In the last two seasons, they ranked in the top five nationally for plays over 20 yards, while Lincoln Riley’s teams have consistently been in the top 10 in that category. However, this year, USC has only managed 23 such plays, ranking 69th overall. The offense is forced to move incrementally down the field, making it easier for defenses to capitalize on mistakes. Even when the Trojans do make explosive plays, they often come with errors, like Quinten Joyner’s 20-yard run that ended in a fumble. The offensive line is not providing enough protection for Miller Moss, who tends to take the safe options instead of pushing for deep throws. Additionally, the receiving corps has not lived up to expectations, leaving the offense with a tough path forward unless significant changes occur.
2. Before the season, there was optimism about Riley’s ability to create a top-10 offense despite a decrease in talent at most positions. Historically, his teams have excelled in offensive yardage and scoring. However, USC currently ranks 50th in yards per play and 58th in scoring, indicating this could be Riley’s least effective offensive season.
3. When offensive performance dips, fans often call for a change at quarterback. While some fans are suggesting that Moss be benched, the primary issue lies with the offensive line. While mobility is a factor—something Jayden Maiava could provide—Moss is not the root of the problem. Even last season, Caleb Williams struggled behind a deficient line. This year’s offensive line has been even worse, making mobility irrelevant when defenders break through immediately.
4. Field position is also hampering the offense. USC’s average starting position is at their own 28.7-yard line, ranking 90th nationally. Notably, the punt return unit has been disappointing, leading to poor field positions after punts. The Trojans’ average starting position after forcing a punt is just 21.3 yards, ranking 126th out of 134 FBS teams. The return unit has underperformed, averaging only 2.14 yards on seven returns, which places them 128th nationally.
