5 things to watch when USC football faces Rutgers in Big Ten opener

PISCATAWAY, NJ — USC football coach Lincoln Riley is about to stand across the field from someone who is really feeling the heat.

Greg Schiano’s seat is so hot that it’s a good thing he gets to stand on the sideline during games.

The Rutgers coach could be on the way out any day now, with speculation swirling that another public shaming might be the final act of his second stint in Piscataway.

It’s not clear if a blowout loss to the No. 12 Trojans (3-0) at home would qualify, but it certainly wouldn’t help. The Scarlet Knights (0-2) are 21.5-point underdogs after having suffered national embarrassment during a season-opening stumble against UMass before falling to Boston College.

Here are five things to watch in a Big Ten opener scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m. PDT on CBS:

Travel tips

USC had more success on the road during its second season in the Big Ten than its first.

After going 1-3 in conference away games in 2024, the Trojans went 2-2 in 2025.

Riley said he would continue to make adjustments for longer trips, which are a fact of life in this conference. The team flew Thursday — a day earlier than normal — for the 2,769-mile trip to Piscataway. Riley added that some adjustments had been made to the aircraft as well as efforts to keep players’ body clocks on optimal times.

“The nice thing for us now,” Riley said, “is we’re not just only listening to other people or other teams that have done this or teams in other leagues, like, we’re actually able to take some of our own experience with it now, and some of the things that we’ve done that we liked.”

A man down

This might not be the only game the Trojans are without star freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley.

The way Riley spoke earlier this week, it sounded as if Mosley might miss multiple games after suffering an injury against Louisiana last week. Mosley was spotted with ice wrapped around one of his knees during the game, but the exact nature of what he’s dealing with hasn’t been specified.

Fortunately for the Trojans, receiver is not a position where they lack depth.

Fellow freshman wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt has tied Mosley for the team lead with 13 catches this season, and freshman tight end Mark Bowman ranks third with 12.

Four other players have made at least five catches, meaning that quarterback Jayden Maiava should still have plenty of quality options.

Red alert

USC’s defense hasn’t exactly held firm once opponents have reached the red zone.

In eight opportunities inside the 20-yard line, those opponents have scored six times — three rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns and a field goal.

Giving up points in 75% of opportunities ranks the Trojans in a tie for No. 42 nationally.

Riley said there’s one thing in particular he’s looking for in those situations.

“I mean, great red-zone defense starts with stopping the run,” said Riley, adding that defenders making plays in a confined area of the field were also important.

A passing chance?

Rutgers does few things well, but one of them is throwing the ball.

Even with starter Dylan Lonergan sidelined by injury last week, the Scarlet Knights continued to have some success through the air.

Making his first start of the season against Boston College, AJ Surace threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns, though his four interceptions sealed Rutgers’ fate during a 28-21 loss.

Between its two quarterbacks, Rutgers is averaging 274.5 yards per game, ranking No. 38 in the nation. That might not sound like much but consider this: The Scarlet Knights rank No. 79 or worse in every other major offensive and defensive statistical category.

Lonergan is listed as probable for the game against the Trojans.

Just for kicks

Caden Chittenden will eventually get to try a field goal — at least the law of averages says so.

So far, all the USC kicker has gotten to do is try extra points. He’s a perfect 18 for 18, his team’s efficient offense depriving him of the chance to attempt something a little more challenging.