USC Trojans Upset By Minnesota: Running Back Woody Marks' Career Game

The No. 11 USC Trojans were upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers, 24-17. Trojans running back Woody Marks has extended his nation-leading catch streak to 51 games and recorded a career-high game.

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The No. 11 USC Trojans were upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers, 24-17, in week six of the 2024 college football season. A bright side for USC - Trojans running back Woody Marks has extended his nation-leading catch streak. Marks has now caught a pass in 51 straight games. 

Marks has been a stellar running back for the Trojans. Through the first four USC games of the season, Marks had 334 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per rush. He also had 15 receptions for 115 yards.

Marks finished with a career-high 134 rush yards on 20 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and one touchdown vs. the Gophers.

Marks is a versatile player, which is shown by how he can receive the ball. When Marks was asked about what made him good at catching passes out of the backfield, he highlighted focusing on his hand-eye coordination.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs while defended by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

“Trust in my hand-eye coordination. Just looking at the looking at the ball and just doing everything in practice,” Marks said.

Marks credited his time at Mississippi State, where his collegiate career began. This was where he started to work on his pass-catching. Williams would practice catching with tennis balls out of a machine with Mississippi State wide receiver Austin Williams.

“Catching tennis balls. Like that’s a little ball you catch every day. Catch about five hundred a day and I think he helped me get better at catching a lot,” Marks said.

While Marks is still a run-first player, having the ability to catch helps the Trojans in every game. He is a reliable player to throw to. Not only is he quick, he is physical and will run through the defense for every yard he can.

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

USC coach Lincoln Riley has had high praise for Marks this season, starting in week one against the No. 13 LSU Tigers. The Trojans were attempting to get in a better position for a field goal giving the ball to Marks. Instead of getting better field position, Marks gave USC the game-winning touchdown.

"We were certainly trying to get some more yards and position ourselves for a field goal if he didn't pop it. Having the timeout, we knew we could be a little bit aggressive there," Riley said. "It was funny, I had a flashback, the last OU-Texas game that I coached was a very similar situation, we were a little bit further out and we handed the ball off and it popped. And I remember I had just a little flashback. I told someone on the headsets, I was like, 'It wouldn't surprise me if he just creases it.' And of course, it happened.”

Marks has had over 100 receiving yards each season. This year he is averaging 7.7 yards per reception. Being a reliable player for Trojans quarterback Miller Moss to throw to is crucial. When Moss is under pressure, he can look to Marks for a quick pass. Given how athletic and physical Marks is, the catch will usually give the Trojans a big gain. 

As long as Marks continues to make receptions each week, it looks as though this will be a record he holds on to for a while. In the third quarter against Minnesota, Marks scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season, giving the Trojans a 17-10 lead in the third quarter.

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