USC Trojans' Woody Marks scores three touchdowns in 'much-needed' win over Rutgers

It was a big night in Los Angeles on Friday night, especially for the USC Trojans. The Trojans snapped their three-game losing streak with a 42-20 victory over Rutgers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It was a big win for the Trojans, getting them back to a .500 record with big matchups against the Washington Huskies and Nebraska Cornhuskers coming up.

USC quarterback Miller Moss finished his night completing 20 of 28 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns, which was arguably his best overall performance of the season against Rutgers. He also recorded a seven-yard keeper for a rushing touchdown. Moss continued to spread the wealth around his talented wide receiver room, connecting with Kyle Ford and Makai Lemon for four receptions each this week. Playing at home helped Moss settle in quickly while the Trojans found their rhythm. USC was successful on the ground, averaging six yards per carry, which helped open up the passing game.

USC sophomore wide receiver Makai Lemon has finally gotten healthy and taken on his expanded role in his second year at USC. Lemon has now led the Trojans in receiving yards in the last three games. He had his best game of the season against Rutgers when he rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown. The yardage was Lemon's career best and the first time he rushed for more than 100 yards as a Trojan. Lemon showcased the electrifying talent and volatility that made him so highly touted as a five-star recruit in high school. With USC still searching for its No. 1 wide receiver, Lemon is making a case to be Southern Cal's leading man.

Trojans running back Woody Marks showed off his elite pass-catching ability in the win against Rutgers. Impressively, Marks led the Trojans in receptions of five and 48 yards, which were season highs. Marks also completed 15 carries for 94 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns early in the game nearly matched his season total. He did everything for the Trojans as he was Moss' security blanket in the passing game. Going forward, Marks should be the focal point of USC's offense. His ability to be a difference-maker in the return game could add a new dimension to the offense, especially if USC head coach Lincoln Riley sticks with the running game when things get rolling.

“Friday night,” Marks said with a smile. “It felt like high school again. “We really needed that to play dominantly all four quarters.”

Next, USC travels to Washington to play the Huskies on Saturday, November 2nd at 4:30 pm PT.