College Football's Big Ten Conference Kicks Off: USC Faces Struggling Rutgers, UCLA Meets Purdue
Two conference openers highlight Saturday's slate as USC looks to exploit Rutgers' woes and UCLA aims to avoid an upset against Purdue.
The Big Ten Conference football season is underway, with two high-profile matchups on Saturday featuring USC at Rutgers and UCLA hosting Purdue.
USC vs. Rutgers: A Tale of Two Programs
USC, ranked No. 12, travels to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face a Rutgers team under immense pressure. USC coach Lincoln Riley's squad enters the game with a 3-0 record, while Rutgers sits at 0-2. The Scarlet Knights, coached by Greg Schiano, have struggled significantly, suffering embarrassing losses to UMass and Boston College. Rutgers is a 21.5-point underdog, and another significant defeat could further jeopardize Schiano's position.
USC has made adjustments for the long cross-country trip, flying out a day earlier than usual to adapt to the time difference and travel demands of the Big Ten. Coach Riley noted that the team is leveraging its own experiences from previous seasons in the conference to optimize travel and preparation.
The Trojans will be without star freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley, who suffered an injury in the previous game. However, USC boasts depth at the receiver position, with freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt leading the team in catches alongside Mosley. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has multiple reliable targets available.
Defensively, USC has shown vulnerability in the red zone, allowing opponents to score 75% of the time they reach the 20-yard line. Coach Riley emphasized the importance of stopping the run and making plays in confined spaces to improve in this area.
Rutgers, despite its overall struggles, has shown some capability in the passing game. Quarterback AJ Surace threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns in his first start of the season, though four interceptions contributed to their loss. With starter Dylan Lonergan probable for Saturday's game, Rutgers' passing offense averages 274.5 yards per game, a stark contrast to their lower rankings in other statistical categories.
UCLA vs. Purdue: UCLA Seeks Momentum, Purdue Aims to End Droughts
UCLA, under first-year coach Bob Chesney, hosts Purdue in their Big Ten opener at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins, with a 2-0 record, are looking to build on early-season success, particularly their strong rushing game. Purdue, meanwhile, has endured a difficult stretch, having not defeated a Power Four opponent since 2023 and currently sits on an 18-game losing streak against conference foes.
Despite their overall record, Purdue showed resilience in their last game, taking Wake Forest to double overtime before falling 38-36. Quarterback Ryan Browne had a career-high 329 passing yards, and running back Fame Ijeboi contributed 114 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Coach Chesney acknowledged Purdue's improvement, noting their completeness and belief.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has admitted to being in a funk, failing to throw a touchdown pass in consecutive games for the first time since 2024. Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy expressed confidence that Iamaleava will find his rhythm, emphasizing trust between the quarterback and the coaching staff. A matchup against Purdue's defense, which is allowing 221.5 passing yards per game, could be an opportunity for Iamaleava to rebound.
The Bruins' ground game has been a significant strength, averaging 245.5 rushing yards per game and scoring 10 rushing touchdowns already this season. Running back Wayne Knight has been a standout, becoming the first UCLA player to rush for six touchdowns in his first two games.
UCLA's ability to finish games strong has been evident, outscoring opponents 49-17 in the second half this season. However, the team aims to start faster to avoid needing late comebacks. Coach Chesney stressed the importance of establishing an early lead and maintaining pressure for the full four quarters.
The Bruins' defense has also shown promise, limiting San Diego State to just 45 passing yards in their last game. Edge rushers Sahir West, Aiden Gobaira, Scott Taylor, and Cole Cogshell have generated pressure, contributing to the defense's ability to disrupt opposing offenses.