The USC Trojans got the win they needed in week nine of the college football season. They defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 42-20. Although there were moments when it looked like Rutgers might make the comeback, USC remained the dominant team.

Following the game, Rutgers coach Greg Schiano spoke to the media about the loss to USC. Schiano focused on Rutgers but gave credit to the USC offense. The Trojans offense ran easily through the Rutgers defense. The Scarlet Knights’ biggest weakness was tackling, particularly due to the speed of USC’s offense.

“They are very fast. I mean, that means they’re really talented receivers. But knowing breaking coverage and giving up a 77-yard play is a big part,” Schiano said. “It’s not about yards after contact, it’s about yards after catch. So if you never hit him, 77-yard game or whatever it was. And you know you can’t do that. If you play against a good football team and make a mental mistake, you will be exposed. And every now and then you can get away with it, but you know you can’t, and we’ve paid the price. “

Two big plays exposed Rutgers for their tackling, but it was the reason USC shined. The play Schiano mentioned occurred in the third quarter of the game. USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss completed a 70-yard pass to wide receiver Makai Lemon. It was Lemon’s yards after the catch that made the difference. Lemon also returned an 80-yard kickoff in the first quarter, and explosive plays like these are how USC will win games.

Although Rutgers’ offense didn’t play poorly, the Trojans did well to limit the Scarlet Knights in the red zone. Rutgers had to settle for two field goals. Despite injuries to the Trojans’ defense, USC held its own.

“You have to score touchdowns, right, that’s how you win games. It’s very difficult to win with three players,” said Schiano. “I think, you know, we scored some touchdowns, you know. At the end of the half it is a difficult decision. Are you going as a group of three? Will you take seven? I just felt like we missed the PAT on the touchdown and that would give us a chance to get some momentum going into halftime.”

The USC Trojans are now 4-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten conference play. This was the dominant performance the Trojans needed with the final month of college football upon us. Now the Trojans must use the win as momentum to end the season.