USC Football Faces Big Ten Opener Without Star Freshman Receiver Trent Mosley
Mosley, USC's leading receiver, has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Rutgers due to an issue that arose after the team's last contest.
USC's football team will be without breakout freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley for its inaugural Big Ten Conference game against Rutgers on Saturday. Mosley, who leads the No. 12 Trojans with 13 catches for 255 yards and four touchdowns this season, was listed as out on the team's first Big Ten availability report.
Coach Lincoln Riley stated that the issue with Mosley developed after USC's victory over Louisiana last weekend. "Don’t expect it to be extremely long-term, but still a little inconclusive on his timetable depending on how he responds," Riley told reporters. "We’ll see, but he’s certainly not going to be ready this week."
Mosley has been a significant offensive contributor, also returning a punt 86 yards for a touchdown against Louisiana. He is one of only six Big Ten freshmen since 2000 to have caught a touchdown pass in each of his first three games.
The Trojans will also be without center Kilian O’Connor, who is sidelined for the season with a training camp injury. Several backup players are also out, including safety Kendarius Reddick, wide receiver Roderick Tezeno, tight end Taniela Tupou, defensive tackle Brendan Cho, and linebackers Shaun Scott, Elijah Newby, and Taylor Johnson.
Additionally, backup safety Madden Riordan is listed as doubtful, while defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart, running back Deshonne Redeaux, and linebacker Jadyn Walker are questionable. Rutgers will be without defensive back Kevin Levy and defensive lineman Jyon Simon for the matchup.
The Trojans, currently 3-0, are set to begin their Big Ten schedule against the 0-2 Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey.