Rutgers Football Week 3 vs. USC: Series History & More

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 03: KJ Duff #8 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights runs after the catch during the game against the Massachusetts Minutemen on September 3, 2026 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It has been a disastrous start to the 2026 season for Rutgers and it will not get any easier with USC coming to town. These teams have met just one in their histories as foes from opposite ends of the country.

Rutgers Football History vs. USC

These two teams met for the firs time in 2024 in a late-night contest that kept fans up later on the East Coast in hopes of competing with the Trojans. What we saw was an offense that was able to move the ball to the tune of 434 yards while going 11-for-22 on third down. Rutgers ran 89 plays in the game, which is the most for the team in a Big Ten game. The problem was the defense could not slow down USC.

Only Meeting

Oct. 25, 2024: USC 42, Rutgers 20

How To Watch, Stream & Listen

USC at Rutgers

Where: SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ

Kick-off: Saturday, September 19 at 3:30 PM ET

Weather: 73 degrees, partly cloudy skies with a 0% chance of rain, 5-10 mph winds

TV: CBS with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Charles Davis (color), and Jenny Dell (sideline)

Stream:Paramount+ App

Radio:Radio: RWJBarnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network (WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM, Fox Sports New Jersey 93.5 FM/1450 AM) with Chris Carlin (play-by-play), Eric LeGrand (analyst), Mike Teel (analyst), and Anthony Fucilli (sideline); WRSU 88.7 FM – Will Carmenaty, Chase Jacoby & Makali Pennycooke; Audacy app, SiriusXM 271, Scarlet Knights app

Statistical Leaders

Rutgers

Passing: AJ Surace – 24-for-36, 66.7%, 307 yards, 4 touchdowns, 4 interceptions

Rushing: Antwan Raymond – 176 yards on 41 carries, 4.3 ypc, 0 touchdowns

Receiving: K.J. Duff – 17 catches for 333 yards, 19.6 ypc, 5 touchdowns

Defense: Jesse Ofurie – 13 tackles; Moses Walker – 2 interceptions; No sacks

USC

Passing: Jayden Maiava – 67-for-83, 80.7%, 896 yards, 10 touchdowns, 1 interception

Rushing: King Miller – 236 yards on 48 carries, 4.9 ypc, 2 touchdowns

Receiving: Trent Mosley – 13 catches for 255 yards, 19.6 ypc, 4 touchdowns

Defense: Deven Bryant – 12 tackles; Kennedy Urlacher, Jadyn Ramos – 2 sacks, Prophet Brown – 1 interception

What To Expect This Time Around?

Rutgers has played both quarterbacks this season and neither exactly instilled much confidence. A poor Rutgers defense will look to defend Lincoln Riley and an explosive Trojan offense led by Jayden Maiava. What to expect in this game is another lopsided game in the Big Ten for Rutgers. The question will be whether or not USC can cover a spread that is over three touchdowns.

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