Former USC legend suggests benching Miller Moss could save Lincoln Riley's job
The USC Trojans are teetering as October rolls on. Coming off a 29-28 loss against Maryland, where Lincoln Riley's Trojans again blew a fourth-quarter lead, the program is hearing calls for change. Riley, with a 22-12 record over three seasons with the Trojans, is struggling in his first year in the Big Ten. Former USC […]
The USC Trojans are teetering as October rolls on. Coming off a 29-28 loss against Maryland, where Lincoln Riley's Trojans again blew a fourth-quarter lead, the program is hearing calls for change. Riley, with a 22-12 record over three seasons with the Trojans, is struggling in his first year in the Big Ten.
Former USC legend LenDale White took to Twitter to suggest a change for the Trojans. White quoted a post from backup quarterback Jayden Maiava's mom, saying, "Might be time for u to play lil bro". Of course, that would mean benching Miller Moss.
Moss started the year hot, earning first-round buzz after taking over the job from Caleb Williams this offseason. Moss hasn't been bad, totaling 1,954 yards on a 64.4 percent completion rate, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions. It's hard to say Miller has been the problem, even as USC has dropped three straight games.
The junior is being asked to carry an offense with little else around him. Woody Marks is a fine but unremarkable running back. Zachariah Branch is fast but seemingly not very good at receiver. There's not a legit NFL prospect on the unit, which is insane for a team with Riley as head coach.
On top of poor recruiting and development, Riley's in-game coaching has been an issue. There's no reason Moss had 50 passing attempts in a game they were leading 21-7 at half and 28-14 in the fourth quarter.
A switch from Moss to Maiava would be a bummer for Moss but might be necessary for the healthier offense. Moss is not a rushing threat, and even with Marks averaging 5.6 yards per carry on the season, the offense is lacking punch. They've scored 17, 30, and 28 points over their last three games.
Maiava is an interesting quarterback, and seeing him leave UNLV was actually a bummer. I thought he'd win this job over the summer, but Moss is the superior passer. Maiava is a very good athlete, standing 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, and running a legit 4.5.
He totaled 277 rushing yards and three scores last year, plus threw for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, UNLV's scheme was not nearly as friendly as USC's. It's fair to think Maiava would be more efficient under Riley.
Is it worth upending what works to revamp the offense when the quarterback isn't really the main issue? I think it is time for Riley to consider the move. The team lacks a dynamic presence, so if it takes Maiava being the offensive engine for them to win, then so be it.
White was a standout running back at USC from 2003 to 2005. During his time with the Trojans, White formed a dynamic backfield duo with Reggie Bush, and together, they helped USC become one of the most dominant college football programs of the mid-2000s.
White was known for his powerful running style, excelling as a bruising, goal-line back, complementing Bush’s speed and agility. He was a critical piece of USC's offense, especially in short-yardage situations, where his strength allowed him to bulldoze through defenders.
His contributions were pivotal to USC winning two national championships in 2003 and 2004 and reaching the national title game again in 2005.
White finished his career with an impressive 3,159 rushing yards and 52 rushing touchdowns, breaking the USC school record for rushing touchdowns previously held by Charles White. His 24 touchdowns in 2005 tied the then-Pac-10 single-season record.
White’s career was highlighted by his performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl against Texas, where he rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns, though USC fell short in a thrilling loss.
After his college career, White declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round in 2006.
