Lincoln Riley Reverses Course, Will Start Jayden Maiava

USC benches Miller Moss in favor of Jayden Maiava, who gets the nod against Nebraska

Jayden Maiava, above running in for a score against Utah State in September, will get the start against Nebraska next week.

Ryan Kartje (LA Times)  —  With its first season in the Big Ten slipping away, USC is making a change at quarterback.

Jayden Maiava will get his first start for USC when the Trojans return from their bye to host Nebraska on Nov. 16, according to a person familiar with the decision but not authorized to speak publicly.

The move relegates Miller Moss to a reserve role after nine uneven starts this season. Since a strong debut in which Moss led USC to a season-opening win over Louisiana State in Las Vegas, the redshirt junior’s performance has been marked by costly mistakes, including critical interceptions in recent weeks as USC dropped four of its last five games, all by a single possession.

Miller Moss looks on from the sideline during the loss to UW on Saturday in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson / AP)

What the decision means for the redshirt junior moving forward at USC remains to be seen. But with three games remaining in its season — and with bowl eligibility still within reach — USC now turns to Maiava, hoping that his dual threat ability will help spark an offense that has struggled to deliver when it mattered most this season.

Moss, a former four-star prospect, had patiently waited for his time at USC over the previous two seasons as a backup to Caleb Williams. He finally got his chance last December at the Holiday Bowl, where he threw for six touchdowns, securing his place as the presumptive starter for the following season. At the time, USC coach Lincoln Riley, who said he would seek a quarterback in the transfer portal, joked that Moss’ performance “may have scared off anybody that would want to come here anyway.”

He delivered again on that promise in his first start this season, as Moss threw for 378 yards and completed 75% of his passes in a season-opening win over LSU. But since the start of the Big Ten slate, Moss has struggled to find his stride. In a loss to Washington last week, Moss threw three interceptions, including one that sparked a go-ahead scoring drive for the Huskies.

After the game, Riley was asked if he was tempted to give Maiava a chance at quarterback during the final three games of the season. At the time, Riley said that he “wouldn’t say that.”

“For us right now,” Riley said, “what we’re looking at is what’s the best lineup, the best people to help us win every week, and we’re going to keep our focus there.”

The three days since had apparently convinced the coach otherwise.

Maiava is no stranger to leading a college offense. He started 14 games last year as quarterback at Nevada Las Vegas, but left an assured starting role to enter the transfer portal after the season. He first committed to Georgia in January, before flipping to USC just two weeks after Moss’ breakout bowl performance.

Moss had already staked his claim for the job. But what seemed like a runaway competition between the two quarterbacks through fall camp ended up being “neck and neck” according to Riley. Teammates and coaches alike praised Maiava for making a “major, major jump”.

“He’s got a bright future here,” Riley said. “No doubt about that.”

That future is now starting earlier than the coach planned at USC, with the Trojans desperate for any spark that might stop their disappointing season from snowballing any further.

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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Trojanfanatic
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November 6, 2024 6:33 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

This has become a psychology experiment so to speak. The areas of improvement are very evident to now the media ( multiple articles) and us, the focused-in fan. It will be interesting to sit back and witness a major growth of a big time power coach or the severe regression of a very capable coach due to pride / stubbornness, taking young men down with him. I’m gonna believe that he can transition, can swallow pride, and become what we believe is in the best interests of the program. He won in OK just enough to believe he doesn’t need… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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November 7, 2024 7:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

SMU is the USC of the Southwest. As Cali has become more and more crazy, USC parents have been open to sending their kids out of state. My best friend, CPA and fraternity brother had his two daughters go to SMU and they had a great experience.

ATL D.D.S.
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November 6, 2024 11:13 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Riley has flaws? Who knew? /sarc/

Jamaica
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November 6, 2024 11:52 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Even if AD Bohn had researched more into LR’s OU success, how would anyone know how poor LR’s ability to rebuild a program was until now. After 3-years of poor decisions of rebuilding and getting paid handsomely for it, LR has gotten himself cornered where he lacks the right answers and that hidden truth is out in the open. If we thought the 2024 season was crucial, what does all this make the 2025 season?

Steveg
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November 6, 2024 6:30 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

I don’t think USC took to rebuilding until last year when the team was struggling. His first year was a showcase for the Heisman winner. I see USC in its second year of a 3-4 year rebuild.

ATL D.D.S.
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November 7, 2024 7:42 am
Reply to  Jamaica

Agree, Jamaica. I along with everyone else here thought Linkin’ was a homerun hire–so unexpected and also, so un-Helton-like. I do remember a couple of comments about weak defenses, but those comments did not resonate when you looked at his record at OU. It’s a tough business, choosing a head coach. Corporations make dumb decisions sometimes–look at Disney. The guy that replaced Iger was so bad, Iger had to come back and try to clean up that guy’s mess. I think our 2025 super team we envisioned will be a shell of itself unless we see a radical turnaround in… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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November 7, 2024 7:45 am
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Whoops. I see Allen has previously expanded on my thoughts in a more erudite fashion. At least we are on the same page, AW.

Steveg
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November 6, 2024 2:06 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Moms will be moms. She is obviously a very good one and no matter if Miller starts or not, she is correct in defense of her son.

ATL D.D.S.
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November 7, 2024 7:52 am
Reply to  Steveg

If SC had a high quality O-line like we had in generations past (and indeed SC was known for its great blocking), MM would have been a fantastic QB for this system. Think Steve Sogge or Mike Rae managing National Championship teams. Unfortunately, our O-line is poorly coached and is not very deep. MM has PTSD from getting beat up the last 7 games. So, instead of a slightly less than a Matt Leinart season, MM has experienced a JT Daniels season. As I have mentioned before, if MM would take the future pay cut, I could see him becoming… Read more »

DanaPtTrojan
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November 5, 2024 4:17 pm

“Time” by Pink Floyd (annotated) . . . tick tock . . . tick tock . . Ticking away the moments that make up a dull Trojan game You fritter and waste the hours in an offside way Kicking around on a piece of ground the coliseum Waiting for someone or something to show you the way Tired of lying in someone else’s sunshine Staying home to watch the pain And you are young and life is long And there is time to kill today And then one day you find Ten years have got behind you No one told… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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November 6, 2024 5:43 am
Reply to  DanaPtTrojan

Well played, Dana Point. Well played.

PN4SC
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November 5, 2024 3:54 pm

I love MIller Moss,but this chance had to be made. I am just sorry it took so long, and that during the season, why packages weren’t designed for Malava all along. But Riley is stubborn, and slow to change ( see Grinch). The bottom line is that Moss is slow and no threat to run, or to keep plays alive. His arm strength for down field throws is questionable. When that is the case, your QB needs to play mistake free football, and nine interceptions in 7 games blows that narrative away. Do you suppose Riley will finally commit to… Read more »

USC1988
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November 5, 2024 9:11 pm
Reply to  PN4SC

Should had been done after Minny … but Jayden should had received snaps all year

ATL D.D.S.
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November 6, 2024 5:45 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We are definitely USC,I this year–University of Southern California, Irrelevant.

USC1988
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November 5, 2024 9:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

How the hell wasn’t he given some goal line snaps … now just jump right to starter when he would or should had been playing some

Steveg
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November 6, 2024 2:08 pm
Reply to  USC1988

The thing about Maiava is he has D1 PT, is acustomed to the speed and size. If he knows the O I can’t see him having a problem, other than perhaps the passing game timing.

RialtoTrojan
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November 5, 2024 9:42 am

If memory serves, he’s only played in one game so with three games left he could play all three and still get a redshirt. Nope wrong looked it up he actually played a few downs against Wisconsin and Rutgers. He will be a Jr. next season. Maybe this projected change is smoke and mirrors to wake up Moss?

Trojanfanatic
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November 5, 2024 10:09 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I hope we give Maiava these 3 games to get his sea legs. It’s only fair. He will struggle for sure, but to be expected. Is it possible for Riley to pull Maiava in signs of trouble to prove once again his choice to stick with an underperforming Moss was the right one? I’m so disillusioned with Riley at this point I’m creating conspiracy theories.

Steveg
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November 5, 2024 11:25 am
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

I think we are all scratching our heads trying to figure out how the wheels fell off. Some say not running, or bad play calling, stubborness to change or other reasons. I believe we have Riley for a while, and I am hopeful he is maturing through all this dumpster fire we have at present. He may wind up getting it all dialed in be the coach worth his paycheck. Until then we just need to support the Trojans and hope for the best.

Trojanfanatic
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November 5, 2024 1:59 pm
Reply to  Steveg

I agree. I thought when he finally shows some priority to the defensive side of the ball we were on our way. You’re right, this may take a while.

Steveg
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November 5, 2024 1:37 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Hopefully the receivers will stop dropping the ball and make the hard catches as well as the easy ones. If only our kicker had one more foot of leg power we could have won the WA game. I have a hard time going negative on Riley because I do believe there is a really good coach in there somewhere. I am hopeful in the kids coming up and the next class if they can hold it together. Maiava may be fix they need on offense.

USC1988
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November 5, 2024 9:39 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Not seeing many drops … a lot of poorly thrown balls

Jamaica
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November 6, 2024 9:01 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

LR has a lot of work to do this off season no matter what happens in these last 3-games. The first matter has to be in dealing with his ego & stubborness. Then he has to make the changes necessary in his coaching staff. I would like him to make 3-fundamental moves after securing the present defensive coaching staff. Then hire a new O-line coach, Hire an energetic recruitment director and hire aOC/playcaller.

Trojanfanatic
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November 5, 2024 10:02 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

I was thinking the same but he spot played. Watched him against Utah St. He scored a TD ( run ). Coliseum went nuts. He’s been watching mostly from the sidelines ever since.

USC1988
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November 5, 2024 9:41 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

Watched the qbs warmup at Michigan … Miavia looked much bigger, more athletic, had a quick release, and powerful arm. Looked like starter.

Trojanfanatic
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November 6, 2024 6:42 am
Reply to  USC1988

He’s built. Seen him on the sidelines at the Coliseum. I know he’s got wheels based on the limited time on the field. We need to be patient. He’ll make some mistakes.

illinoisusc
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November 5, 2024 8:53 am

Thanks Miller…..you gave it all you have. Which is all anyone can ask.
This decision should have been made 6 weeks ago. Poor pass blocking line means mobile QB to help.
As for the decision…….closed practice……. but he announces the change to the public 2 weeks ahead so Nebraska can adjust to the best of their ability. Don’t ask me.
Is he taking stupid pills.

Trojanfanatic
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November 5, 2024 10:11 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

Thinking the same thing. Why in hell would he give what little advantage we have on Nebraska away. To allow them to prep on Maiva.

Trojanfanatic
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November 5, 2024 1:54 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Your take is the only logical reason. It’s just sad that his rep comes before the programs best interest ( use all advantages available) and also Maiava’s only element of surprise has been eliminated so he’s just another untested qb entering a game where the opponent has a good preparation plan.

Steveg
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November 5, 2024 2:27 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

The only difference will be in how Maiava handles himself in a broken pocket. What does Neb do except perhaps have a spy on him. That gets the back open. If Maiava knows the offense good enough he could mean a couple of scores a game difference, and hence, a win for a change. I just wish they would tighten up the D backfield. Short passes keep drives alive.

trojandn
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November 5, 2024 3:06 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

USC doesn’t need an advantage to beat Nebraska. This is a great move by LR, albeit late, but maybe Maiva needed to learn the system. LR’s track record shows that he needs a mobile QB to fit his system.

Trojanfanatic
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November 5, 2024 4:34 pm
Reply to  trojandn

I thought they didn’t need any advantage against mediocre teams like Minnesota or even bottom feeder Maryland but nevertheless. We’ve been campaigning Riley to give Maiava a package in the offense. This is a good start, and you’re right it’s late, but we’ll take it. Was hoping we wouldn’t give Nebraska a crack into what they’re going to see. He’s gonna be jittery as it is. Hoping these closed practices were to cook up something good.