USC wide receiver Corey Simms (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC safety Christian Pierce, left, returns an interception past Rutgers wide receiver Jourdin Houston (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC running back King Miller (8) rushes past Rutgers linebacker Abram Wright (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) passes during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC head coach Lincoln Riley talks to quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) passes during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (17) reacts after making a catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
USC running back Riley Wormley (27) scores a touchdown past Rutgers defensive back Jesse Ofurie (16) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Southern California wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (17) scores a two-point conversion in front of Rutgers defensive back Bradlee Jones (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey — The USC football team never trailed as a 22.5-point favorite against Rutgers Saturday, but never got comfortable either in a 42-35 victory.
Read more Newport Harbor boys water polo reloads with South Coast Tournament title
King Miller rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown for USC. Quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 277 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and Prophet Brown made the biggest play of the game with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown, putting USC up 27-14.
USC improved to 4-0 ahead of next week’s Big Ten test against Oregon (3-1) in Los Angeles.
Rutgers had lost to UMass and Boston College in its first two game, but was never out of striking range.
Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan passed for three touchdowns and running back Antwan Raymond rushed for 122 yards and a score.
Read more Man allegedly pepper-sprays moviegoer for using cell phone in Burbank theater
Rutgers executed a fake punt to keep a second-quarter touchdown drive alive and amassed 460 total yards, one less than the Trojans.
The Trojans need to shore up their defense to compete with high-powered offenses like Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana in Big Ten play. USC gave up five plays of 20 yards or more against Rutgers. In three games, USC has allowed its opponents to score 10 of 13 times in the red zone.
Trojans star freshman receiver Trent Mosley sat out with a knee injury. Fellow freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt had five catches for 77 yards.
Rutgers has held a lead for just 2:54 this season. That came when it scored on its opening drive in a 37-21 loss to UMass in the first game and never led against Boston College and USC. Turnovers continue to be a major issue. The Scarlet Knights have a -7 turnover margin after Lonergan’s two picks Saturday, including the interception by Prophet Brown for a TD.
Read more Widow of South OC Cars and Coffee co-founder killed in Irvine crash hires lawyer