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USC Trojans vs. Maryland Terrapins 3 Instant Takeaways: Missing Offensive Identity

The USC Trojans dropped their third consecutive game vs. Maryland as the continue to struggle in close moments. The Trojans are in deep trouble if they can't find a solution to their offensive struggles with five games left on the schedule and a 3-4 record.

Gabriel Duarte

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Duce Robinson (2) runs through tackles for a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium.
Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Duce Robinson (2) runs through tackles for a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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The USC Trojans suffered their third consecutive loss on Saturday afternoon, dropping to Maryland on the road 29-28 in heartbreaking fashion. The Trojans need to rally from the loss next week in order to avoid a monumental season collapse.

1. Trojans need to keep featuring Woody Marks

USC
Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs the ball for a first down before he is stopped by Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jaylen Reed (1) and cornerback Zion Tracy (7) in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

USC running back Woody Marks has been a shining star for the Trojans during some tough stretches for the offense. For whatever reason, USC coach Lincoln Riley continues to pass the ball even when quarterback Miller Moss is struggling to get anything going. In the loss to Maryland, Marks rushed 17 times for 82 yards. He averaged an extremely efficient 4.8 yards per carry. Moss doesn't offer anything special in terms of mobility, so in order to open up the pass game, Marks should be featured more often. Redshirt freshman running back Quinten Joyner, has shown signs of extreme explosiveness as well. He's averaging 9.8 yards a carry on 30 carries. If Riley thought about committing more to the run game, maybe the Trojans would find more success in the second half especially.

2. USC's season officially in disarray

SC
Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Kyron Hudson (10) can not secure the catch as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Glendon Miller (13) defends during the second half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Trojans have fallen under .500 at 3-4 after starting the season 2-0. Losses to Michigan and Penn State could've been expected at the start of the year, with Michigan being the Trojans first Big Ten matchup and on the road and Penn State holding a top five ranking in the polls. However, losing to Minnesota and Maryland is frankly unacceptable at USC. The standards should be much higher in year three of the Riley era in Southern California. Riley has to find a solution and quick with five games left in the season.

3. The Trojans' wide receivers room is one of the nation's best

USC
Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) makes a one handed catch for a touchdown as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Perry Fisher (20) defends at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

USC had three different receivers with over 50 receiving yards. Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobi Lane, and Duce Robinson all had a great game for USC. Lemon had his best game as a Trojans as he finished with highs in receptions and receiving yards. He went for eight catches and 89 yards as he was the leading receiver for the Trojans.Lane had one of the best catches of the year with his one-handed 15-yard touchdown, He finsihed with 51 yards on four catches along with the touchdown. The biggext X-Factor on the USC offense, Zachariah Branch, continued his offensive struggles as he caught four catches for 43 yards as he went under 50 receiving yards for fifth time this season.

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Gabriel Duarte
GABRIEL DUARTE

Residing in Los Angeles, Gabriel Duarte is a senior at Cal State Northridge and is pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism. Gabriel is passionate about college athletics and is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and Oregon Ducks on SI. Gabriel has covered many college sporting events around the Southern California area including basketball and football for USC. Gabriel also writes for his local newspaper on high school sports.

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