No. 12 USC opens its Big Ten schedule on the road this weekend, and the Trojans enter as heavy favorites over Rutgers. The game kicks off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET from SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, on CBS.
USC is coming off a 3-0 start that has featured an average of more than 40 points per game against Group of Six opponents. This week’s contest marks the Trojans’ first test against a power conference team of the season. Rutgers, meanwhile, is winless after two losses, including a stunning upset against UMass in the season opener and a close 28-21 defeat to Boston College.
The matchup is one of the strangest new conference pairings in the new era, with USC joining the historically eastern Big Ten. The only prior meeting between the schools came in 2024, when USC routed Rutgers 42-20 behind three touchdowns from running back Woody Marks.
Trent Mosley’s breakout start
USC’s offense is led by a true freshman wide receiver who has been nearly impossible to stop. Trent Mosley was rated the No. 34 receiver in the Class of 2026, but he has quickly emerged as one of the best in the country.
Through his first three games, Mosley has recorded 13 catches for 255 yards and four touchdowns. He has scored in all three performances so far. That production puts him firmly in the conversation for the best young talent in the sport.
Mosley is not the only standout on the Trojans’ side. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been one of the top-rated passers in the Big Ten last season and returns with a strong case for Heisman consideration. The senior has completed 80.7% of his passes for 896 yards, 10 touchdowns and only one interception through three games.
Those numbers rank near the top nationally. Maiava’s profile fits the Heisman template well: a senior quarterback putting up monster numbers against a schedule that includes a Big Ten opponent.
Jayden Maiava’s Heisman case
Maiava’s numbers are impressive across the board. His completion percentage of 80.7% is a mark of efficiency, and his 896 passing yards through three games suggest he is on pace for a big season.
Ten touchdowns and one interception in three games is a strong ratio for any quarterback. Maiava’s production has been consistent from the opening week, and his performance against Group of Six opponents has been particularly strong.
The Heisman race is still early, but Maiava has put himself in position to be considered. A big game against Rutgers could push his candidacy forward.
Rutgers’ lone bright spot
Rutgers has struggled to find consistency this fall. The Scarlet Knights dropped their opener to UMass and followed that with a close 28-21 defeat to Boston College. The team has thrown four interceptions this season, and quarterback AJ Surace finished with four interceptions in the loss to Boston College.
But the offense has one bright spot. Wide receiver KJ Duff has been unstoppable despite the losses. Duff has recorded 17 catches for 333 yards and five touchdowns in just two games.
His touchdown total leads the nation, and his yardage leads the Power Four. No one else on Rutgers’ roster has more than 82 yards.
“Despite the two losses, Duff has been unstoppable.”
Duff’s numbers are remarkable for a team that has lost both games. His production has been the lone highlight of a rough start.
The road test
Saturday’s game gives USC a chance to make a statement against a Big Ten opponent. The Trojans have dominated in their first three games, but this is a different level of competition.
Rutgers won’t have many answers for the Trojans, according to the pick. The USC defense shut out Fresno State two weeks ago, and this game offers a chance to make another statement against a struggling offense.
The Trojans are averaging more than 40 points per game against Group of Six opponents.
| Team | Record | Key Player | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC | 3-0 | Trent Mosley | 255 yards, 4 TDs |
| Rutgers | 0-2 | KJ Duff | 333 yards, 5 TDs |
How to watch
The game airs Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. A live stream is available via CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App, both free. Paramount+ with Showtime also carries the game, with a free trial offer available.
Fans in the United States can watch live on the CBS website or app, or through the Paramount+ app.
The pick
SportsLine’s computer model has simulated every Week 3 college football game 10,000 times. The model is on a 33-21 run on top-rated CFB money-line picks since the 2024 season.
The pick is USC -23.5. The model’s record suggests confidence in its projections.
USC has a dominant offense led by a high-percentage passer and a breakout freshman receiver. Rutgers has thrown four interceptions and lost both games despite strong play from its own star receiver.
The Trojans are the clear favorite. Rutgers has not shown enough to cover a 23.5-point spread against a team that averages more than 40 points per game.
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