LOS ANGELES – The Trojans are back in the Coliseum for the first time this season, hosting the Utah State Aggies.
USC improved 10 spots to No.13 in the latest AP Poll after last Sunday's 27-20 victory over LSU. Miller Moss’s 378-yard performance earned the first-year starter Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. With questions about how USC’s offense would look an offseason removed from Heisman quarterback Caleb Williams, the Trojans responded with a top-15 victory.
After a hot start to the season, the Trojans will look to continue to roll versus the Aggies in their seventh meeting in program history. USC leads the head-to-head series with a 6-0 record. The last meeting of the two programs was in 2016, when the Trojans defeated the Aggies 45-7.
Game Information
When: 8 p.m PST
Where: Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California
TV: Big Ten Network
Facts to Know
USC is 102-19-1 in home openers.
USC is 36-1-1 all-time versus Mountain West opponents.
While the Trojans' offense didn’t seem to miss much of a beat, the biggest improvements were on the defensive side of the ball. New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn completely revamped the Trojans' defense, bringing a newfound energy and culture to the unit.
The difference from last year's defense was noticeable in just one game against LSU when the Trojans held the Tigers to 20 points. USC’s combination of consistent tackling and critical third-down stops brought Lynn’s defensive policies to fruition on the gridiron. Transfer safety Kamari Ramsey led the team in tackles with nine, while linebackers Mason Cobb, Eric Gentry and cornerback Jaylin Smith finished with seven.
Utah State Scouting Report
The Aggies opened their season with a 36-14 victory versus Robert Morris in interim head coach Nate Dwelling's first game. Iowa State transfer quarterback Spencer Petras started the game under center but left in the second quarter with an injury after throwing two interceptions. Facing a 14-10 deficit, junior transfer quarterback Bryson Barnes stepped in and brought the Aggies back to life.
Displaying his dual-threat ability, Barnes finished with 198 yards in the air and rushed for another 88 yards, totaling three touchdowns. Barnes’s multi-dimensional skill set at quarterback caused problems for Robert Morris, who scored 26 unanswered points in the second half. Utah State totaled 646 yards in their week one win, going over 300 yards in the air and ground.
Nate Dwelling was hired in the offseason to be the Aggies' defensive coordinator but was promoted to interim head coach in July. Dwelling spent his two seasons at New Mexico State building a productive defensive unit.
In 2023, Dwelling’s Aggies ranked first in Conference USA in scoring defense, allowing 22.8 points per game. The Aggie's red zone defense excelled, ranking fifth in the nation and holding opponents to a 72.6 present conversion rate inside the 20-yard line.
Keys to Victory
Establishing the Ground Game
While Moss and the Trojans found success in the air, the rushing attack struggled at times. Transfer running back Woody Marks led the team in rushing with 68 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday. Marks averaged 4.3 yards a carry, hinting at what the Trojans can be on the ground.
Establishing the ground game against the Aggies can be the catalyst for Moss opening up the passing game. Last week, the Aggies allowed 137 yards on the ground versus Robert Morris. As more teams get film of Moss, giving him the option of a consistent run game can add another dimension to the offense.
Dominating the Trenches
The Trojans' defensive improvements are nothing to bat an eye at, but generating pressure is a work in progress. While Lynn dialed up timely blitzes against the run, LSU’s Garrett Nussimer found himself with lots of time in the pocket, throwing for 304 yards with a 76% completion percentage. The Trojans finished last Sunday with zero sacks.
Against the Aggies, generating pressure early can put Barnes into uncomfortable situations, increasing the chances of turnovers. The combination of edge rushers Jamil Muhammad and Anthony Lucas will have to earn their sacks versus an experienced Utah State offensive line with a combined 161 starts.
Prediction
If the Trojans' offense continues to be efficient and Moss finds his handful of options, USC should easily ride to a big win in its home opener. USC, 37-10.