Are You Ready for Miller Moss?

USC players excited Miller Moss will finally get a start at QB: ‘Miller’s a baller’

USC quarterback Miller Moss passes during a blowout win over Stanford at the Coliseum on Sept. 9.

Miller Moss passes during a blowout win over Stanford at the Coliseum on Sept. 9. Moss will start for USC against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27. (Ashley Landis / AP)

Thuc Nhi Nguyen (LA Times)  —  Ja’Kobi Lane knows what time it is.

“Miller time!” the freshman receiver shouted on his way off USC’s Howard Jones Field on Friday.

Quarterback Miller Moss, meeting with reporters for the first time during USC’s bowl preparations, just chuckled.

After three years of waiting, Moss is getting his time in the spotlight. The redshirt sophomore is slated for his first career start at USC as the Trojans finish their season without star quarterback Caleb Williams in the Holiday Bowl against No. 15 Louisville on Dec. 27 in San Diego’s Petco Park. With his long-awaited starting opportunity finally approaching, Moss is showing the same even-keeled nature that won teammates over during his USC career spent mostly in the shadows.

“I’ve worked my whole life for this,” Moss said Friday. “Whatever comes after that, I’ll work my whole life for that. So I’m just excited. I’m excited to step into this role and very confident in our team.”

Moss’ opportunity could serve as his early audition to reprise the starting role at USC next year when the Trojans try to replace the Heisman Trophy winner. The competition will be tight. Moss has the advantage of experience in Lincoln Riley’s system but the former four-star prospect lacks the dual-threat ability Riley’s previous star quarterbacks displayed. Former five-star prospect Malachi Nelson will challenge for the starting role after battling injuries that slowed his freshman season. And a third competitor could emerge from the transfer portal as Riley said last week he will explore the available options.

The uncertainty doesn’t rattle Moss.

“Coach Riley has been very candid and open with me,” Moss said of the possibility of a transfer quarterback coming to USC. “I’ve been competing my whole life. So let’s go.”

The Bishop Alemany alumnus committed to USC, his childhood team, over offers from Alabama, Louisiana State and UCLA even though the Trojans already held a commitment from quarterback Jake Garcia in the same class. When USC offered 2020 Gatorade national Player of the Year Jaxson Dart and Garcia decommitted, Miller held firm.

Dart beat out Moss for the backup role in 2021 and stepped into the starting role amid an injury-plagued year from Kedon Slovis. But when Dart was injured against California, Moss earned his first significant snaps in college, throwing for 74 yards and a touchdown in USC’s 24-21 loss.

USC quarterbacks Caleb Williams (13) and Miller Moss warm up during practice in August 2022.

Two years later with Moss preparing for his first start, senior center Justin Dedich said the difference between the wide-eyed freshman backup and the third-year player at the center of the huddle now is “night and day.”

“Miller’s been growing a lot as a leader,” Dedich said. “He’s been phenomenal, everyone respects him on the team and it’s just someone I respect too.”

Moss’ leadership has only gotten stronger during USC’s bowl practices without Williams, running back Austin Jones said. But after watching Moss prepare diligently for every game for the past two seasons, nothing surprises the Stanford transfer about the quarterback’s steady approach to training even as the stage grows.

“Miller’s a baller,” Jones said.

“Miller’s a really good quarterback and you’re going to get an opportunity to see that,” the senior continued. “There’s nothing that’s going to faze him in the game.”

While Moss said he always approached film sessions and meetings as if he were going to start, the main difference between preparation now is that he can offer more input about what’s included in the game plan, he said. That role used to belong to Williams.

Moss has thrown for 309 yards and one touchdown this season, completing 23 of 32 passes. He has two carries, both for touchdowns, for 19 total yards in three blowout wins over San José State, Nevada and Stanford.

But as the Trojans struggled for much of the season, limping to a 7-5 record while losing five of their last six games, Moss shrunk back onto the sidelines. Riley said he had hoped for more opportunities to get Moss into the games. But Moss’ work on the practice field has teammates confident in the quarterback’s ability to end the disappointing year on a high note.

“Everybody who’s been here that I care about is within these walls, and they see it every day,” Moss said. “I’m just going to go out there and try to lead my team the best way I can and get a win.”

latimes.com

_______

TrojanDailyBlog members —  We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.

 

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Fighton74
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December 15, 2023 11:31 am

https://heavy.com/sports/college-football/usc-football-news-rumors-transfer-portal/. Not if this is LR’s direction. I have said this before and I will say it again!! What are you showing defensive recruits when your transfer portal priority is a QB. Any school in the country would pay to have a QB factory like SC but instead LR wants to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results. Which is I’m gonna use most of my NIL proceeds on QB when I already have the best recruits at QB in the country. Instead of trusting your recruits and putting your NIL proceeds towards the main… Read more »

Steveg
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December 15, 2023 1:40 pm
Reply to  Fighton74

I guess who you are reading plays into it a lot. Wearesc has Miami 92% USC 8% for Howard. In the mean time give a welcome to the new DL and Edge commits for defense.

PN4SC
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December 16, 2023 6:41 am
Reply to  Fighton74

Great logic. Since our priority is defense, let’s not recruit any offensive players, even if they are potentially elite. QB position isn’t important, just throw anyone in there, and we will be fine.
Are you a Troll?

Fighton74
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December 18, 2023 10:23 am
Reply to  PN4SC

I forgot your logic is so much better right! How many schools in this country do you think would die to have the QB prospects we have in our own back yard?!?! One of the main reasons we can’t attract defensive recruits is because recruits are not morons they do they homework too! They look at the tendencies of coaches in this case LR and putting his priority on a QB when you already have the best recruits in the nation at that position. IE a 5 star recruit in Nelson and Moss who are both completely capable of starting… Read more »

Steveg
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December 14, 2023 6:38 pm

Anyone else see where a judge put a temporary restraining order on the ncaa granting unlimited transfers for players. This wild wild west college football just got a little wilder.

alfa1
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December 15, 2023 7:37 am
Reply to  Steveg

If left to the ncaa, amateur collegiate sports are about over.

Golden Trojan
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December 14, 2023 11:54 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I remember watching the Geo. South. v Wisconsin game and how the broadcasters went on and on how great a coach The Cat is. For the Myrtle Beach Bowl, you could play a drinking game with your mimosas every time they compliment the Cat! I’m picking the Ruins and TT for tomorrow, better defenses.

USC1988
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December 15, 2023 10:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The kickback king

Steveg
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December 14, 2023 6:29 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Just for information, those game times are Central time.

RialtoTrojan
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December 14, 2023 9:36 am

After reading about who isn’t going to appear in bowl games this morning, I am wondering how many of the bowl games are going to be faux games? Because the transfer portal and bowl appearances overlap, are the sponsors getting what they paid for? Don’t get me wrong, I can see a top draft pick sitting out a game, which is essentially meaningless, but players jumping ship prior to a game seem to be rats rather than loyal teammates. For instance Ucla is losing a running back and Boise is losing a quarterback. If I were paying to see these… Read more »

Steveg
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December 14, 2023 7:42 am

USC flipped four-star defensive lineman Jide Abasiri from Minnesota. He committed to USC at his official visit.
Meanwhile, Andrew Milek enters the portal.

USC1988
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December 13, 2023 7:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Ugly loss coming

TrojanRon
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December 13, 2023 6:01 am

I’m looking forward to seeing what Moss can do. I’ve always believed a solid defense and balanced offense is a good formula for winning games. I’m looking forward to seeing what the new DC can come up with in the 2-3 weeks of practice before the Holiday Bowl. It isn’t much time, but I think he can make an impact.

John Weld
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December 13, 2023 8:29 am
Reply to  TrojanRon

I am looking forward to seeing whether Riley adjusts his play calling to the strengths of Miller Moss’ skills as a quarterback.

illinoisusc
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December 13, 2023 6:43 pm
Reply to  John Weld

Very telling. After staying with long passes with a weak OL and weak defense…..we’ll see.

Jamaica
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December 13, 2023 8:58 pm
Reply to  illinoisusc

I’m with you again IllinoisUSC. Will the outcome of the Holiday bowl be about how well Moss directs the offense or whether the trojan defense can keep the Louisville scoring down? My concern is if they get ahead by 2-3 scores, will our players give up? I can’t believe I’m even thinking this. But we’ve seen this the last few games. I want recruits to see a team still trying to win, to fight on!

TrojanRJJ
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December 12, 2023 8:47 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I was out of the country when Lynn was hired. Not that it matters, but Lynn would have been my #2 choice for DC (White from Neb would have been my first choice). Reason, SC needs a “turn around specialist”, not a coach who has succeeded in a solid program (like Leonard). The two best were Lynn and White. My guess is we tried Leonard but it was not going to work (Iike going on a date). White was my first choice because he has B1G experience, having done in the B1G. But that did not work out as NEB… Read more »

USC1988
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December 12, 2023 6:53 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Great get hope we get 3/4 great years out of him. But Ertz seems like a solid safety net.

RialtoTrojan
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December 11, 2023 8:38 pm

13 years ago I wrote this on Facebook it seems relevant today too.

Cam newton getting the Heisman trophy proves it’s not how you cheat, it’s who you cheat for. It is a sham award by a sham outfit. They took Reggie Bush’s award away because his parents took help in housing. Reggie said that was their business, the NCAA killed USC. Newton’s dad takes money to guide his school choice, the NCAA said, “Cam didn’t know, no foul.”

Golden Trojan
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December 11, 2023 10:28 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

In light of today’s pay for play multi million dollars deals, let by gones be by gones. Give Reggie his trophy back, every school that lost wins and titles get those back and move on. South Africa had its Truth and Reconciliation Commission, time for the NCAA and Heisman to do the same.

TrojanRJJ
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December 12, 2023 8:50 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Rialto, any rational person knows SC was railroaded by a “kangaroo court.” I would think that the Heisman will now back off and most rational people ignore the bogus forfeitures. I think all major services are now counting Reggie’s Heisman for SC.

Steveg
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December 10, 2023 5:21 pm

Nate Clifton becomes a Trojan. 6’5″ 280 DL

Golden Trojan
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December 10, 2023 9:50 pm
Reply to  Steveg

A 4* guy. Beat out Auburn and Washington to get him, good sign!

USC1988
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December 11, 2023 2:16 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Washington is going all portal 100%

USC1988
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December 10, 2023 6:07 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

20-38 from the FT line … good god

Chris
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December 11, 2023 2:56 pm
Reply to  USC1988

Poor free throws are plain and simple a lack of practice. My high school kids shoot just under 70% as a team. All my guards shoot at or above 80. Nothing changes, nobody’s guarding you, it’s just rhythm and repetition. Plus every coach ever runs free throw drills once kids have tired legs. No excuses for shooting at that level other than it’s not a point of emphasis.

Golden Trojan
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December 10, 2023 8:53 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Already at 4 losses this USC team with loads of hype has a lot of work to do. Terrible shooting at the line, 2 pt and 3s. Defensive boards terrible as well. Lets hope having Lebron courtside was too much of a distraction. However, good teams thrive on that!

TrojanRon
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December 11, 2023 4:45 am
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Losing to UC Irvine and now Long Beach State at home is embarrassing. Let’s hope Enfield kicks some *ss after this latest loss.

TrojanRJJ
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December 10, 2023 2:15 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I suppose that means Odom is now history. So we have at least one known lame duck coaching the Holiday Bowl squad. My guess is Entz will be consulted for additional staff members on D.

TrojanRJJ
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December 10, 2023 2:56 pm
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More on the Entz hire. First, this guy is the real deal. He teaches tough, physical football, based on a culture of physical and mental toughness. Second, this guy is NOT a buddy system hire. He is probably one of the best coaches in the game. We will probably not have him for long. Maybe three years at most. Third, he did not come here to fail. He came here to get a quality P5 HCing job. That means he got plenty of assurances about the changes being made in the way SC practices. This hire sends the signal to… Read more »

alfa1
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December 10, 2023 4:12 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I would imagine if the Bisons beat Montana he’ll get to meet South Dakota State for the revenge factor, NoDak St. lost to them last year.

Golden Trojan
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December 10, 2023 8:59 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Entz was getting $380K at NDSU. He should at least double his salary at USC. Lets hope some recruits start changing their minds.🙄

alfa1
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December 10, 2023 4:04 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

My hope is Donte joining the, as you put it, Lame Ducks.

USC1988
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December 10, 2023 6:08 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

And the next DC when Lynn (we hope) is offered big HC gigs

alfa1
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December 10, 2023 4:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Entz is a hard charger he’ll fit just fine in the B1G, he follows Chris Klieman who turned Kansas State around, both solid football minds.
Good Call by Riley and D’Anton.

Golden Trojan
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December 10, 2023 8:56 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Very good sign. Quality guy who knows how to get much from little. Knows how to coach up the fundamentals with lower talented players.

Golden Trojan
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December 10, 2023 9:00 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Okay, where did that picture come from? Did USC photoshop it?
Here it is.

Steveg
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December 10, 2023 1:24 pm

USC has a new Linebackers coach, Matt Entz, HC from North Dakota State. Great hire!!

Golden Trojan
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December 9, 2023 6:29 pm

I’m looking forward to the game. I hope the team comes to play to win and not mail it in. An offense not dependent on Caleb to do some magic may be more effective but we shall see.

Jamaica
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December 10, 2023 1:47 pm
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I would love to see a little ball control offense giving the defense a breather or three. Not to take the ball out of Miller’s throwing arm, but the run game needs to develop dependability in LR’s offensive mindset when calling plays. Controlling the ball with passes doesn’t move the clock. Depth on defense will still be a big issue with this team next season. Keeping it on the field will only aggravate this team weakness. It’s time LR matures in forming a “total” gameplan considering the defensive needs & abilities along with the offenses. The physical nature of the… Read more »

TrojanRJJ
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December 10, 2023 2:18 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

Jamaica, You are assuming this team is capable of running a ball control O. First, I doubt it can. Second, even if were capable, it is not part of the O scheme that has been practiced for an entire year. I doubt one can make that drastic a change in two or three weeks. My guess is we will see a lot of screens, draws, and three step drops (meaning quick passes).

Jamaica
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December 10, 2023 10:58 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Talking about next season RJJ

USC1988
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December 12, 2023 6:56 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

ehhh … mail in job bad habit after UCLA no effort

RialtoTrojan
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December 9, 2023 4:57 pm

This is like giving the keys to dad’s truck to a kid so he can drive the group to the lake on a dirt road. “Have fun drive carefully, but remember the spare tire (defense) is flat so take your time. Miller looked good in the time he had on the field. I am sure he can move the ball with a healthy group in front of him. I might pick USC to win their bowl game.

USC1988
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December 12, 2023 7:03 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Don’t … L’ville will be playing for keeps, beating SC even when they are shitty like now is a program maker for a L’ville. Brohm is no joke as a coach. This has a shitty Iowa or Fresno type toilet bowl embarrassment.

Steveg
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December 9, 2023 3:25 pm

I have always thought MM is a very good QB, being very cerebral as well as physical. He can run if he needs to. His reads are fast, and he will throw to the first open man he sees, not sit and shop around like Caleb did. That in itself will give the offense a whole new look. I hope we get some PT for Nelson also, that is the kid that really needs it. I am not even going to suggest what they should run as I believe Riley knows his talent level and has the plays to execute… Read more »

volunteerTrojan
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December 9, 2023 9:42 pm
Reply to  Steveg

“Sit and shop around.” Have loved watching CW these past 2 years, but that is the best description of his style that I have heard.

Golden Trojan
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December 9, 2023 10:44 pm

Agree VT, I’m not sure CW will do well in the NFL unless he gets a good coach that he will listen too. He tries too hard to make the big play rather than just work the ball down field. I hope LR will focus on a balanced effective offense rather than trying to make one guy look like a super star.

Steveg
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December 10, 2023 7:55 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

When you consider Caleb will go pro and spend 8-10 hours a day refining what he does for an exceptional amount of money, he should get that “shop around” thing taken care of. If not his career may be shorter than he would like it to be.

Golden Trojan
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December 10, 2023 9:16 am
Reply to  Steveg

Sam Darnold never got over his wild and crazy play. Deep habits are hard to break. Hopefully for CW he gets good coaching for NFL style of play.

Steveg
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December 10, 2023 9:20 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

If you look at what Sam went through in college and in the pros his faults are understandable.

volunteerTrojan
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December 10, 2023 12:55 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Maybe that’s what his Mama told him to do. 😉

volunteerTrojan
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December 10, 2023 12:58 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

One thing I noticed both rivalry weekend and championship weekend was how the winning teams’ offenses tended to execute in a very crisp, sharp and fairly quick manner (though not necessarily “up tempo”).

I’d like to see more of that style of play next year.

illinoisusc
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December 9, 2023 1:29 pm

Well……if Miller and his offensive genius coach change the plan to match up with the OL weakness……draws, screens, over the middle, 2 back sets, getting rid of any back that can’t block, Kiffin bubbles (did I say that), wheel routes, two TE sets, etc etc….he’ll do just fine. After a while a heave down field might even work.
Try doing what Caleb did and plan your funeral.

illinoisusc
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December 9, 2023 1:32 pm
Reply to  illinoisusc

I’d love to see a few more misdirection plays.

UtahTrojan
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December 9, 2023 11:05 am

I really hope the best for him and that our very offensive line does not get him killed.