USC Trojans Woody Marks On Quarterback Change From Miller Moss: 'Not A Surprise'

The USC Trojans are making a quarterback change with three games to go. Quarterback Jayden Maiava will get the start over Miller Moss. USC running back Woody Marks reveals his thoughts on the switch.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans have officially announced a quarterback change as the season winds down. Following a 26-21 loss against the Washington Huskies, USC coach Lincoln Riley announced that quarterback Jayden Maiava will get the start moving forward. USC running back Woody Marks revealed that the change did not come as a surprise.

Maiava transferred to USC in the spring of 2024 from UNLV. He had the opportunity to compete for the starting position, but quarterback Miller Moss was the guy. The Trojans have a 4-5 record with three games left in the season. Maiava will make his starting debut with the Trojans against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Nov. 16.

Following the change, Marks spoke to the media about the quarterback change. Marks notes that the quarterback switch was not surprising and has not felt different yet.

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

“It wasn’t a surprise. I would say for me, I really didn’t know until we got to practice and it was just, they always rotate, so it was just really normal,” Marks said. “It hasn’t really hit me ‘til probably like the game or something.”

Marks has had a reception in each game this season and has been a playmaker. He holds the largest streak for most games with a reception. While the switch may not feel like a big deal now, Maiava’s on-field chemistry with Marks will be something to watch. In Maiava's limited playing time, he has completed eight passes for 66 yards. He can also be a mobile quarterback, which could open up the offense in a new way.

With five losses this season, there was a need for a change. Riley spoke to the media about the quarterback switch. While speaking highly of Moss, Riley felt this was the best choice.

“We go back and evaluate like we do every single game. We have two good players in the room, and when we went back and looked at it we felt like it was in the best interest of the team to give Jayden a chance here,” Riley said. “It’s that simple.”

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) hands off the ball to USC Trojans running back Bryan Jackson (21) against the Utah State Aggies during the third quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Trojans have a bye week before Maiava makes his first start. This gives USC time to prepare a different quarterback. Maiava will get a chance to prove himself and potentially be the spark to close the season on a high note. The Trojans have just four wins this season and are still hunting for bowl eligibility. 

The USC Trojans and Nebraska Cornhuskers will kick off at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 1:00 p.m. PT.  

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