USC Sees Young Playmakers Rise as Defense Struggles Ahead of Oregon

After the Rutgers game, USC's emerging offensive weapons are trending up while the quarterback, run defense and secondary face questions going into the Oregon matchup.

With USC set to face Oregon this week, the Trojans' top offensive playmakers are coming into focus. Running back King Miller has delivered two straight 100-yard rushing games, while Kayden Dixon-Wyatt has become quarterback Jayden Maiava's most reliable target, particularly after Trent Mosley went down with an injury.

Redshirt freshman Riley Wormley made a strong impression against Rutgers, rushing for 52 yards on three carries. Corey Simms also contributed despite limited opportunities, catching four passes for seven yards and a touchdown that ranked among the game's biggest plays.

Not every trend is positive. Maiava, who opened the season with more touchdowns than incompletions, has seen his play decline in recent weeks, a dip that his shoulder injury has contributed to. Waymond Jordan's role has also shrunk, as he managed only 26 yards on eight carries against Rutgers.

Defensively, USC has been inconsistent against the run. Rutgers' Antwan Raymond ran effectively on Saturday, and the loss of Jide Abasiri to injury hurt the unit. The secondary also turned in its worst performance of the season, with Jontez Williams standing out as the group's best player but unable to carry it alone.

The Trojans' defensive issues come at a difficult time, with a matchup against Oregon and a stretch of top Big Ten opponents looming on the schedule.