USC Trojans defeat Rutgers 42-35 in Big Ten matchup

No. 12 USC defeated Rutgers 42-35 in a Big Ten matchup at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Trojans improve to a 4-0 record.

Despite the win, USC faced defensive challenges, particularly in the secondary. Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw for 252 yards and three touchdowns, and the Scarlet Knights outgained the Trojans 289-209 in the second half. Rutgers' Antwan Raymond led the rushing attack with 122 yards and a touchdown. Two interceptions by USC defenders, Christian Pierce and Prophet Brown, proved critical to the outcome.

Following the game, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano dismissed the idea of a moral victory, stating, “We fully expected to win this game, and it hurts that we didn’t.” USC now prepares for a matchup against No. 21 Oregon on September 26.