No. 12 USC crossed the country and found exactly the kind of uncomfortable conference game that can expose a contender. Rutgers kept answering, the pressure lasted deep into the fourth quarter, and the Trojans still found a way to leave with a 42 to 35 win.
USC stayed balanced
Jayden Maiava completed 20 of 32 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. King Miller added 102 rushing yards and a score on 16 carries, preventing Rutgers from turning the game into a pure passing contest. Kayden Dixon Wyatt led USC with five catches for 77 yards.
That balance mattered because Rutgers generated real offense of its own. Antwan Raymond ran for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Dylan Lonergan threw for 252 yards and three scores. KJ Duff caught seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Turnovers made the margin
Lonergan also threw two interceptions, and in a seven point game those lost possessions were enormous. USC did not dominate the afternoon. It won the moments that separated an entertaining shootout from a damaging road loss.
The Trojans moved to 4 and 0 by proving they can survive when the game is not clean. Their offense produced enough explosive plays, their running game kept the attack from becoming predictable, and the defense created the two takeaways it desperately needed.
Rutgers will see opportunities it nearly converted. USC will see a road test passed. In a league where travel and contrasting styles can make every week feel different, the ability to win an imperfect game may matter as much as any comfortable victory.