It was a big night in Los Angeles on Friday night, especially for the USC Trojans. The Trojans ended their three-game losing skid with a 42-20 victory over Rutgers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It was a big win for the Trojans to get them back to a .500 record with big games looming against the Washington Huskies and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

USC quarterback Miller Moss capped his night by completing 20 of 28 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns in what was perhaps his best complete performance of the season against Rutgers. He also converted a seven-yard keeper for a rushing touchdown. Moss continued to spread the wealth to his talented wide receiver room, connecting with Kyle Ford and Makai Lemon for four receptions respectively this week. Playing at home helped Moss settle in quickly as the Trojans found their feet. USC had success on the ground, averaging six yards per carry, to help open up the passing game.

USC sophomore wide receiver Makai Lemon has finally gotten healthy and broken out in his expanded role in his second year at USC. Lemon now leads the Trojans in receiving yards over the past three games. He had his best game of the season against Rutgers when he ran for 134 yards and a touchdown. The distance was Lemon’s career high and the first time he exceeded 100 yards as a Trojan. Lemon showed off the electric skills and elusiveness that made him so highly touted as a five-star recruit in high school. While USC is still looking for their No. 1 wide receiver, Lemon makes a case to be the lead man at Southern Cal.

Trojans running back Woody Marks showed off his elite pass-catching ability in the win over Rutgers. Impressively, Marks led the Trojans in receptions with five and 48 receiving yards, which were a season high. Marks also recorded 15 carries for 94 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns nearly matched his season total coming into the game. He did it all for the Trojans as he was Moss’ security blanket in the passing game. Going forward, Marks should be the focal point of the USC offense. His ability to be a difference maker in the receiving game could provide a new dimension to the offense, especially if USC head coach Lincoln Riley sticks to the run game when it gets rolling.

“Friday night,” Marks said, smiling. “It felt like high school again. We really needed that, just to play dominantly in all four quarters.”

Next, USC travels to Washington to play the Huskies on Saturday, November 2 at 4:30 PM PT.