What’s at stake, injuries, who’s better, matchup to watch, TV info and prediction for Saturday’s game
Star Minnesota RB Darius Taylor (1) celebrates his second-half TD with teammates during their 27-24 loss to MICH on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Luca Evans (OC Register) No. 11 USC at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. PT Saturday, Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN, B1G Network/710 AM
Records: USC 3-1 (1-1 Big Ten), Minnesota 2-3 (0-2 Big Ten)
Line: USC by 8.5
Notable injuries
USC: OUT: TELake McRee (leg), DL Bear Alexander (redshirt); QUESTIONABLE: LBEric Gentry (undisclosed), S Akili Arnold (undisclosed); PROBABLE: WR Makai Lemon (undisclosed)
Minnesota: QUESTIONABLE: TE Jameson Geers (undisclosed)
What’s at stake? Eh. There’s little obvious narrative that jumps out from USC vs. Minnesota, or massive weight that rests upon the outcome Saturday in Minneapolis, which makes this somewhat of a trap game on USC’s schedule. Arguably the Trojans’ biggest matchup of the season, Penn State, looms at home the following week; a loss to Minnesota would be fairly devastating to USC’s College Football Playoff hopes at this point in the season, already sitting with a loss to Michigan.
Speaking of Michigan, though, it’ll be interesting to see how USC attacks a Minnesota team that just played Michigan plenty gritty last week in a 27-24 loss that saw the Golden Gophers down 21-0 at one point. USC and Minnesota have established themselves as programs capable of responding to early deficits, which could present a new type of challenge for a dominant second-half Trojans team.
Who’s better? USC. Outside of that surge against Michigan, none of the results on Minnesota’s schedule has been remotely imposing: a 27-0 win over Mountain West program Nevada (which USC beat 66-14 in their 2023 opener), a season-opening 19-17 loss to a North Carolina program that had James Madison hang 70 on them a couple weeks back, and a 31-14 loss to Iowa.
USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn heaped praise this week on Minnesota senior quarterback Max Brosmer’s ability to “make every throw,” but Brosmer doesn’t exactly have a wealth of weapons at his disposal. Wide receiver Daniel Jackson, who has 326 yards through five games this season, is a name to watch, as is star running back Darius Taylor. Minnesota’s defense has been stout as well, ranking fifth in the FBS in yards per game, but hasn’t faced an offense as high-powered as USC’s.
Matchup to watch: USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane (left) and Duce Robinson vs. Minnesota’s cornerbacks. The Golden Gophers’ secondary has been lockdown through the early part of the season. Bucknell transfer standout Ethan Robinson has three pass deflections and two interceptions. Fellow cornerback Za’Quan Bryan has allowed only three catches on eight targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
Lane and Robinson seemed to grow into their lengthy frames, meanwhile, in real time last week, the sophomores making key second-half plays against Wisconsin. Lane, in particular, established himself last week as quarterback Miller Moss’s go-to downfield target. They’ll need to generate consistent separation Saturday to keep USC’s offense humming.
USC wins if: The Trojans buck a trend of slow offensive starts and hang at least a couple first-half touchdowns on Minnesota … they limit Taylor to less than 100 yards … they don’t turn the ball over more than once.
Prediction: USC 34, Minnesota 24. It’s easy to see USC taking an early lead and the Golden Gophers managing to hang around, but if USC and Moss execute well in the fourth quarter, this one shouldn’t feel truly in doubt.
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Our O Line stinks, yet we rushed for over 6 yards a carry. They couldn’t stop Marks, and then we abandoned the run. I realize Riley has forgotten more about play calling than I know, but how to you explain this loss? More losses on the way.
Too many dumb mistakes when driving in their territory. Zach drops a ball a miss a FG- 0 points. Quinten fumbles – 0 points. Moss hit from behind and throws pick – 0 points. When we have limited possessions, those are back breakers.
Now that USC has no realistic shot to enter the all-important “Playoff World”, the question becomes how much will this affect possible coaching staff defections prior to 2025. If it’s not one thing, it’s another!
Let hope Riley goes to a pro team as an offensive coordinator. Jen can hire a replacement that might have a chance to deal with the current transfer portal environment intelligently.
Heck, Riley’s a good coach. But he’s sure no “elite” CFB coach these days, except in the eyes of only an ever-decreasing loyal few. I’m not rooting for his departure at all — but if he decided to split, we could do just as well with guys who aren’t QB Whisperers and geniuses, but have a better overall grasp of all the other things that go into making a great head coach. This was a terrifically bad loss LR took today as a big favorite. Hope he manages to find a way to beat PSU. That could still happen because… Read more »
Not seeing your idea happening anytime soon, but stranger things have happened, one I can think of is HC Jumbo Fisher at Texas A & M leaving after a short stay with a contract like LRs. There is Pete Carroll teaching a class at USC and looking to get back into coaching. That would be something if he came back here. But this is a dream that has little chance of happening.
Now that playoff chances are in the lotto level, is it time to give next season quarterback a look? Honestly Moss isn’t the man and Riley is flogging a dead horse. (Again)
No, like Iike I said, Moss has toughness and focus, but with bad this line, Maiava is the only option for our drives to stay alive. If our line was C+ level, Moss can get us there.
I really like Moss’ toughness and focus, but this team and its jr college line play, needs to move Maiava in, or at least split time, to save this season. Who would’ve guessed the defense is the consistent foundation of this year’s team.
I don’t agree, consistent protection would definitely help. It appeared by the end of the game that he felt he had to do it by himself. Much like CW did for most of last year. Easy to understand when you are always running for your life.
Genius…..more like an over paid spin master. Who works short hours and does not like to get his hands dirty. Eating chicken dinners is not fun but sometimes….yum……moma that stuff is really good if her son is 6′ 7″ 316 pounds and can move like the wind.
I said that here yesterday. You now need to listen to the post game presser for the plan. We used to blow it off, but in reality LR will tell you without saying, the timeline to make the change. If he minimizes vis a vis Grinch, we’ve got another 2 years for major changes. Hoping not. Lynn and the fellas won’t hang. Then…. Kaboom.
My opinion
It’s this, Its that.
Its Riley.
For those that say it’s the OL…….a lot of us discussed all summer and winter that the OL needed a transfer or two or three……our head coach did not produce.
A few weeks ago we lost to a team that could not pass the football…..and they scored 27 points.
The team has taken the first half off several games…..coaching.
Let them score……..he let the clock get worn down from two minutes and uses several TO when they are inside the 5.
It’s about recruiting. Lack of trench focus. Look at the big programs year in year out, hell look at PC’s teams, the common denominator for nattys is superior line play.
I’m agree but seems the closing out games strategies are problematic. The run game is somewhat unstoppable yet the impulse is to throw.. throw into coverage. I’m trying to think of another natty level coach that would make that their approach. I get it, element of surprise, balance, but this is closing out a game.
The right guard and right tackle are horrific. They are a majority of the reason why we can’t move the football. Unless we get some better quality players in the trenches, this team is never gonna go anywhere.
These teams are both giving it their all. Great drive by MINN unfortunately. 17-17 with seven mins to go. Need to get our momentum back. It’s Miller Moss time!
Hard not to notice Gentry not out there. Lemon can do it all so we don’t have to debate about Branch and his drops. Miller staying in the pocket pretty tough, taking a few shots. 193 yards of offense so far.
Matchup to watch: USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane (left) and Duce Robinson vs. Minnesota’s cornerbacks. The Golden Gophers’ secondary has been lockdown through the early part of the season. Bucknell transfer standout Ethan Robinson has three pass deflections and two interceptions. Fellow cornerback Za’Quan Bryan has allowed only three catches on eight targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
Our O Line stinks, yet we rushed for over 6 yards a carry. They couldn’t stop Marks, and then we abandoned the run. I realize Riley has forgotten more about play calling than I know, but how to you explain this loss? More losses on the way.
CAL baby, 21-10! Beat the ‘Canes!
Too many dumb mistakes when driving in their territory. Zach drops a ball a miss a FG- 0 points. Quinten fumbles – 0 points. Moss hit from behind and throws pick – 0 points. When we have limited possessions, those are back breakers.
Go CAL! Beat MIA. 7-7 at beginning of 2nd Q.
Ya, go Cal!! 14-7 now
Now that USC has no realistic shot to enter the all-important “Playoff World”, the question becomes how much will this affect possible coaching staff defections prior to 2025. If it’s not one thing, it’s another!
Let hope Riley goes to a pro team as an offensive coordinator. Jen can hire a replacement that might have a chance to deal with the current transfer portal environment intelligently.
I know how you feel but it ain’t gonna happen.
I understand….just fuming.
Heck, Riley’s a good coach. But he’s sure no “elite” CFB coach these days, except in the eyes of only an ever-decreasing loyal few. I’m not rooting for his departure at all — but if he decided to split, we could do just as well with guys who aren’t QB Whisperers and geniuses, but have a better overall grasp of all the other things that go into making a great head coach. This was a terrifically bad loss LR took today as a big favorite. Hope he manages to find a way to beat PSU. That could still happen because… Read more »
i have never been a college head football coach, but damn we haven’t had once since PC that could get the team up and ready to play at the first snap.
Not seeing your idea happening anytime soon, but stranger things have happened, one I can think of is HC Jumbo Fisher at Texas A & M leaving after a short stay with a contract like LRs. There is Pete Carroll teaching a class at USC and looking to get back into coaching. That would be something if he came back here. But this is a dream that has little chance of happening.
As much as I like the idea I am kind of afraid that PC 2.0 will not be as good as the original.
And the major impact to our recruiting, which is often on the edge, especially trench positions.
Paul Finebaum and Bill Plaschke are licking their chops about what to say or write next about LR. Get ready.
If you can’t block, you can’t win.
Now that playoff chances are in the lotto level, is it time to give next season quarterback a look? Honestly Moss isn’t the man and Riley is flogging a dead horse. (Again)
You want to make Maiava the sacrificial lamb? You really think Moss is the reason we lost?
No, like Iike I said, Moss has toughness and focus, but with bad this line, Maiava is the only option for our drives to stay alive. If our line was C+ level, Moss can get us there.
Poor MM. He only rarely has any time to accomplish jack.
He even had to resort to intentional grounding to deal with the relentless rush.
AW it’s every play !! Gets old. The presser will tell us if LR agrees or we must regulate our expectations. I gotta find a hobby.
I really like Moss’ toughness and focus, but this team and its jr college line play, needs to move Maiava in, or at least split time, to save this season. Who would’ve guessed the defense is the consistent foundation of this year’s team.
I don’t agree, consistent protection would definitely help. It appeared by the end of the game that he felt he had to do it by himself. Much like CW did for most of last year. Easy to understand when you are always running for your life.
If they could move Monheim to LT it would sure help Moss live through the season. It might even improve the run game.
Nope don’t try…..he is an offensive genius……that can’t produce points.
Over reaction. He’s got a huge history of top 10 offenses.
History
Poor Lincoln Riley is gonna have to put together some fantastic spin work now. His presser might even be worth listening to.
Sooner or later, they’re gonna stop calling him a “genius play-caller.” That’s old history and no longer true.
Genius…..more like an over paid spin master. Who works short hours and does not like to get his hands dirty. Eating chicken dinners is not fun but sometimes….yum……moma that stuff is really good if her son is 6′ 7″ 316 pounds and can move like the wind.
I think they have no choice but to spend big in the next portal window for some linemen, both sides.
I can see where with a good O line he would look like a genius, it is just getting the good O line that is holding him and everything back.
I said that here yesterday. You now need to listen to the post game presser for the plan. We used to blow it off, but in reality LR will tell you without saying, the timeline to make the change. If he minimizes vis a vis Grinch, we’ve got another 2 years for major changes. Hoping not. Lynn and the fellas won’t hang. Then…. Kaboom.
My opinion
It’s this, Its that.
Its Riley.
For those that say it’s the OL…….a lot of us discussed all summer and winter that the OL needed a transfer or two or three……our head coach did not produce.
A few weeks ago we lost to a team that could not pass the football…..and they scored 27 points.
The team has taken the first half off several games…..coaching.
Let them score……..he let the clock get worn down from two minutes and uses several TO when they are inside the 5.
It’s about recruiting. Lack of trench focus. Look at the big programs year in year out, hell look at PC’s teams, the common denominator for nattys is superior line play.
And coaches that have the ability to get thier players ready to play.
I’m agree but seems the closing out games strategies are problematic. The run game is somewhat unstoppable yet the impulse is to throw.. throw into coverage. I’m trying to think of another natty level coach that would make that their approach. I get it, element of surprise, balance, but this is closing out a game.
How do you suggest they get linemen of high caliber to enroll? What does LR have to do differently recruiting.
Well……
USC lost to a better team today. Our OL is just shamefully inadequate. Their RB was awesome!
Hey there is always next year. We are used to saying that.
I’m not USC has been a joke for too long. They don’t have a team and I don’t see one next year either
This team sucks. Just like last year. And during the Helton era. All hat, no cattle.
This team is as good as its O line.
I would say they need to play with pride, but they just don’t have the necessary talent. This is a Mountain West talent offensive line.
Stupid throw.
up high to duce?
The ball would have had to have been thrown high. Too much coverage on him. Better to pick a receiver not double covered and have another shot.
This offense is the problem. 17 points just aint gonna cut it.
Did I mention this offensive line sucks
yes, several times😁
How could they change the call on the field from that review. Nobody could see where the ball was.
Good news for UW at least. Huskies beat Wolverines 27-17.
How is that Good news? We’re gonna lose to Washington too.
Well….not over yet
Of course its a touchdown. Now. Crock of crap officiating. and we thought the pac12 refs were bad
This review is a joke and simply a time out for Minn to get their play together.
100%
The right guard and right tackle are horrific. They are a majority of the reason why we can’t move the football. Unless we get some better quality players in the trenches, this team is never gonna go anywhere.
You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Troublesome factoid for USC.
So am I imagining that our running game in the second half is kinda unstoppable? Sure once in a while a two yard gain but dominant. Why throw so much?
Well, it was a fun season while it lasted. This team is. 8-4 at best. Can’t lose to Minnesota and expect to go anywhere.
Our D has just been totally brutalized in the 4th Q. PSU game sure loses a lot of luster. Too bad.
We’re gonna lose toPenn State
Got worn down.
We need to start using our timeouts
Just not a top 20 team.
No tackling again
Just getting outplayed now.
We could be on the verge of falling apart. Can’t believe we would commit such a blatant body slam penalty now. So dumb.
why not run, it seemed to work pretty well before.
7 minute football game. Glad we get the ball. I need 10 points.
These teams are both giving it their all. Great drive by MINN unfortunately. 17-17 with seven mins to go. Need to get our momentum back. It’s Miller Moss time!
My god. Tackle
Offensive line is pathetic
Ugh. Perhaps LR is feeling better about his defensive staff changes
Is Mason Murphy related to Toa Lobaden
USC OL fails again in protection. Ugh.
Drive this sucker in! 40 yds to go.
I’ve never seen any USC team ever that had to start with such constant poor field position. Bizarre. Teams just seem to cover perfectly on us.
Go Woody! A pickup of 20! Tough, quick guy!
We’re sloppy today. Sure miss our Stork!
So here we go with a 96 yard drive.
Meyer great play!!
Another nailbiter………
Looks like it. We damn well better win. 😂 😂
USC offensive line winning the LOS — Woody Marks is a tough runner–
Another punt and lousy field position for the offense again.
Hard not to notice Gentry not out there. Lemon can do it all so we don’t have to debate about Branch and his drops. Miller staying in the pocket pretty tough, taking a few shots. 193 yards of offense so far.