The USC Trojans are heading into their Friday night matchup against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with major holes in their lineup. Facing significant injuries on both sides of the ball, particularly in the defensive secondary, USC must rely on inexperienced backups to fend off a motivated Rutgers team. The game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be a true test of the Trojans’ depth and resilience.
USC’s Secondary is in Crisis Mode
The Trojans’ defense is facing its biggest challenge of the season before even taking the field. Four out of five starting defensive backs have been ruled out for tonight’s game, creating a massive void in the secondary. Key starters Greedy Vance Jr., Jacobe Covington, Jaylin Smith, and Kamari Ramsey are all unavailable due to injuries.
This situation forces USC’s coaching staff to scramble for solutions, thrusting several backup players into the spotlight. The team will be relying heavily on a new-look secondary to contain the Scarlet Knights’ passing and rushing attacks. The replacements expected to fill these critical roles include:
- Bryson Shaw and Zion Branch at the safety positions.
- Prophet Brown is anticipated to take over at nickelback.
- DeCarlos Nicholson and John Humphrey are projected to start at cornerback.
These players will need to adapt quickly, as Rutgers will likely test their chemistry and experience early and often. The pressure is immense on this makeshift unit to prevent big plays.
Offensive Line Worries Add to Trojan Troubles
The injury concerns are not limited to the defense. The Trojans’ offense is also holding its breath over the status of starting left guard Emmanuel Pregnon. Listed as questionable, Pregnon’s presence is vital for protecting quarterback Miller Moss and establishing a consistent run game. He participated in warmups, but his availability remains uncertain.
Should Pregnon be unable to play, Amos Talalele is ready to step in. Talalele has some experience, having filled in for Pregnon briefly last week after he sustained a knee injury. However, any disruption to the offensive line could be problematic against a Rutgers defense known for its toughness and ability to pressure the quarterback. Further absences, like backup guard Gino Quinones, only add to the strain on USC’s depth up front.
Rutgers Looks to Exploit USC’s Weaknesses
Coming off a heartbreaking 35-32 loss to UCLA, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are eager for a win. They see a prime opportunity against a wounded USC team. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis nearly led his team to a comeback victory last week and will look to build on that momentum.
The key player for Rutgers could be running back Kyle Monangai. Monangai has had an impressive season, with three 100-yard rushing games, and he is perfectly positioned to exploit the gaps in USC’s depleted defense. While Rutgers has its own injury issues, with key players like Michael Dixon and Tyreem Powell listed as questionable, they are expected to play, giving them an advantage against the Trojans’ patchwork lineup.
A Broader Look at USC’s Roster Challenges
The absences for tonight’s game are part of a larger trend of roster depletion for USC this season. The team is already without linebackers Eric Gentry and Raesjon Davis, who are redshirting. Additionally, defensive lineman Bear Alexander is no longer with the team, leaving another significant hole. Several other players are out with long-term injuries, further testing the team’s depth.
| Player | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Lucas | Edge Rusher | Out (Season-Ending) |
| Micah Banuelos | Left Tackle | Out |
| Carson Tabaracci | Tight End | Out |
These cumulative losses present a significant hurdle for head coach Lincoln Riley as he tries to navigate a tough Big Ten schedule.
