Minnesota has experienced a frustrating and inconsistent start to the season, losing all three games against major conference teams in tough ways.
Despite these challenges, the Gophers have excelled at defending against the pass, ranking as the best in the nation. They are the only team in the FBS that has allowed fewer than 100 passing yards per game, which is exactly what they need heading into their game against Southern California on Saturday night.
The Trojans, currently ranked 11th in the latest Associated Press poll, have continued to perform well with quarterback Miller Moss, who has taken over after Caleb Williams, the first pick in this year’s NFL draft and the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner at USC. Moss is 11th in the FBS, averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game, leading USC in their new conference, the Big Ten.
“It’s one thing to be a gunslinger, but it’s another thing to be a gunslinger that’s accurate,” said Gophers coach P.J. Fleck.
In the previous game against Wisconsin, Moss threw for 308 yards, connecting with nine different receivers and scoring three touchdowns, helping the Trojans (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) recover from a slow first half to win 38-21. Ja’Kobi Lane had a standout game with 10 catches for 105 yards, both career highs, including two touchdowns.
“They have explosive athletes all over the field. That’s pretty obvious,” said Gophers safety Coleman Bryson. “Their passing game is dynamic. Their running game is dynamic. But I think we’re just worried about doing our best job to our best ability.”
In their third season under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans are working hard to uphold the program’s strong tradition of skilled players.
