Rutgers, Schiano Face Pressure Against No. 12 USC
Rutgers, Schiano Face Pressure Against No. 12 USC
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Key Points
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The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern at SHI Stadium and will be televised on CBS. It is USC’s first road game of the 2026 season and the first Big Ten game for both teams.
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USC leads the brief series 1-0 after defeating Rutgers 42-20 at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Oct. 25, 2024; Saturday’s matchup will be the first meeting in Piscataway.
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Rutgers’ early offensive problems extend beyond turnovers: the Scarlet Knights are averaging just 92 rushing yards per game, rank 130th nationally in rushing and 131st in yards per carry at 2.7.
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Greg Schiano also praised USC’s linebackers, singling out the Bryant and Stephens players as “top-line players in the Big Ten” and noting that USC has strong personnel at every defensive level.
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Rutgers’ defensive struggles have included allowing explosive plays to Boston College, while its offense failed in key situations—including a fourth down that gave the Eagles a short field—according to a report that described the team’s opening two performances as among the nation’s worst.
No. 12 USC brings an undefeated record and a 22.5-point advantage into Rutgers on Saturday, but the Scarlet Knights have one bright spot: wide receiver KJ Duff has 333 receiving yards and five touchdowns through just two games. App.com reports the matchup kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern at SHI Stadium on CBS, marking USC's first road test and both teams' Big Ten opener.
Rutgers' 0-2 start has intensified pressure on coach Greg Schiano, who faces a USC defense loaded with talent at every level. The Scarlet Knights must fix critical problems: their quarterback situation saw seven combined interceptions, they're averaging just 92 rushing yards per game, and they've allowed eight sacks while recording none on defense.North Jersey.
Duff Shines While Rutgers Offense Stumbles
KJ Duff is the only bright spot in Rutgers' offense. The wide receiver has 333 yards and five touchdowns in two games—a stunning pace that shows what the Scarlet Knights can do when their passing game connects. But Duff alone cannot fix a broken offensive line.
Rutgers ranks 131st nationally in yards per carry at 2.7 yards and 130th in rushing yards with just 92 per game. Quarterback turnovers add to the mess: Dylan Lonergan and AJ Surace combined for seven interceptions. Running back Antwan Raymond is questionable for Saturday, which would make the rushing attack even thinner.
USC's Defense Targets Turnover Creation
USC's defensive plan is clear: force turnovers, create pressure on the quarterback, and shut down Duff. Schiano praised USC's linebackers, calling them "top-line players in the Big Ten," and noted the Trojans have strong personnel at every defensive level. Freshman defensive end Luke Wafle has drawn comparisons to a young Nick Bosa.
The Trojans enter on a three-game winning streak with their sights on a Big Ten statement. Limiting explosive plays will be key. Rutgers' defense gave up big plays to Boston College and also struggled on key fourth-down situations, leaving itself vulnerable to a disciplined opponent.
Rutgers' Schiano Faces Mounting Scrutiny
Greg Schiano's program is under fire. Rutgers' opening two games ranked among the nation's worst performances, with offensive failures in critical moments and a defense that could not generate pass rush pressure. The wide receiver talent of Duff suggests the roster has pieces, but execution is nowhere to be found.
Saturday's loss to a top-12 team would make Schiano's job even harder. A win would be a stunning upset and a sign the Scarlet Knights can compete in the Big Ten. Either way, Rutgers must clean up turnovers, improve pass protection, and pressure the opposing quarterback—none of which they have done well so far.
History Favors USC in First Piscataway Meeting
USC defeated Rutgers 42-20 at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 25, 2024, in their only meeting. Saturday marks the first time these teams play in Piscataway. The Trojans come in as heavy favorites with a 3-0 record and Big Ten momentum.
Rutgers celebrates its 2006 team's 20th anniversary at the game—a reminder of better days when the Scarlet Knights beat then-No. 3 Louisville and went 11-2. That success feels distant from the 0-2 start and 22.5-point underdog status in 2026.
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