The USC Trojans are set to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum tonight, but they’ll do so with a depleted defensive lineup. Four of USC’s starting defensive backs are sidelined, along with several key backups, raising questions about the Trojans’ ability to contain Rutgers’ offense. Meanwhile, the Trojans are also grappling with absences on the offensive line, challenging both sides of the ball.
Key Absences in USC’s Secondary Spark Concerns
USC’s secondary is taking a major hit, with four out of five starting defensive backs listed as unavailable. Greedy Vance Jr., Jacobe Covington, Jaylin Smith, and Kamari Ramsey will all be watching from the sidelines, leaving significant gaps for USC’s coaching staff to address. These losses place pressure on USC’s backup players, who’ll need to step up quickly to fill these roles.
Without Vance, Covington, Ramsey, and Smith, USC’s defense has turned to:
- Bryson Shaw and Zion Branch to step into major roles at safety.
- Prophet Brown as a likely replacement at nickelback.
- DeCarlos Nicholson and John Humphrey projected as starters at cornerback.
With these replacements, USC faces an uphill battle to maintain defensive pressure. Rutgers’ offense could take advantage of these shifts, potentially testing USC’s secondary depth as the game progresses.
Pregame Readiness: Left Guard Emmanuel Pregnon on the Line
USC’s offense could also be impacted, depending on the availability of starting left guard Emmanuel Pregnon. Pregnon, who was listed as questionable but participated in warmups, plays a critical role in stabilizing the Trojans’ offensive line. His presence helps fortify USC’s protection for quarterback Miller Moss, who will rely on the line to maintain consistency in the face of a relentless Rutgers defense.
Should Pregnon be ruled out, Amos Talalele is prepared to step in. Talalele filled in for Pregnon last week when he left the game with a knee injury but returned in the second drive. Other offensive line absences, including backup guard Gino Quinones, further strain the Trojans, who are facing a Rutgers team that’s known for defensive tenacity.
Defense Tested: Key Starters Redshirting and Season-Ending Injuries
The absence of critical players isn’t new for USC, which has also seen linebackers Eric Gentry and Raesjon Davis and defensive lineman Bear Alexander opt to redshirt. Gentry, sidelined by multiple concussions, is expected to return next season. Alexander, however, is no longer part of the team, creating a notable hole in the defensive lineup.
Other key injuries affecting USC’s defense:
| Player | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Lucas | Edge Rusher | Out (Season-Ending) |
| Micah Banuelos | Left Tackle | Out |
| Carson Tabaracci | Tight End | Out |
This patchwork defense poses challenges for head coach Lincoln Riley, who must adjust to counter Rutgers’ offensive threats without critical players.
Rutgers Seeks Redemption After UCLA Loss
The Scarlet Knights, like USC, are seeking redemption after a loss last week, falling 35-32 to UCLA. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis led a spirited comeback that came up short, with Rutgers failing to capitalize on a last-minute onside kick. Their offensive standouts, including running back Kyle Monangai, are primed to exploit USC’s weakened defensive lineup. Monangai, who’s had a standout season with three 100-yard rushing games, may be the key to a Rutgers upset.
Rutgers, with its own set of key injuries, will be without wide receiver Ian Strong and defensive end Wesley Bailey. Several of Rutgers’ core players, such as safeties Michael Dixon and linebacker Tyreem Powell, are listed as questionable but expected to play. Their presence could tilt the balance against a Trojan team struggling to find its footing in the Big Ten Conference.
