Reign of Troy Radio on USC Football Carcast: USC vs. Rutgers Postgame Reaction
Sep 20, 2026
USC escaped Rutgers 42-35, but the win sparked plenty of concern. The discussion dives into the defensive line’s inability to create pressure, repeated road-game struggles from Jaden Maiava, questionable fourth-down decisions, and a fake punt that changed the momentum. There is also praise for Riley Wormley, debate over USC’s chances against Oregon, and plenty of frustration with the shaky victory formation.
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Oregon Will Define USC’s Season
- USC’s win over Rutgers matters far less than the upcoming Oregon game for judging its season.
- Alicia de Artola argues that even an 84–0 victory would be secondary to how USC performs against its major Big Ten opponents.
USC Repeats Its Road Game Nightmare
- USC repeated the same sloppy road-game pattern seen against Purdue and Illinois, including penalties, poor clock management, and risky decisions.
- Rutgers nearly turned a 99-yard pick-six opportunity into a loss because USC’s defense repeatedly allowed long drives afterward.
The Defensive Line Failed Its First Big Test
- Michael Castillo identifies USC’s defensive line as the biggest concern because it failed to create pressure against a modest Rutgers offensive front.
- The starters who had dominated weaker opponents, including Alex Van Sumeren and Gideon Abasiri, produced little when tested by a Big Ten line.