The USC Trojans will take on their first Big Ten foe of the season this week with a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Trojans will get a great chance to answer some questions prior to the showdown against the Oregon Ducks.
Here is how Week 3 will play out for the USC Trojans:
King Miller will have more rush yards than Antwan Raymond
Antwan Raymond is arguably the best running back in the Big Ten and one of the best in the country. Raymond should provide the Trojans' defense with a very tall task. I think that is a challenge they take on and show how good their run defense is. On the other hand, King Miller will run wild in this game. I expect him to explode for 100 yards for another straight week and outgain Raymond. That is one way in which the Trojans can make this game get out of hand very quickly.
Mark Bowman will lead Trojans in receiving yards again
Mark Bowman showed off what he is capable of last week. This week I think he takes it up a notch. Bowman will eclipse 100 receiving yards on the day and catch a touchdown. Lincoln Riley loves what Bowman can do, and Bowman is a reliable target for Maiava. I think the Maiava and Bowman connection will be a big reason why the Trojans cruise past their first Big Ten foe.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt will lead Trojans in touchdowns
No Trent Mosley for this game, and maybe more. I expect Kayden Dixon-Wyatt to show he is more than capable of being the lead receiver. Wyatt will find the end zone at least twice against Rutgers and have 80 receiving yards. He and Bowman will step up in relief of Mosley and continue to show that the future is bright at USC.
Luke Wafle will get his first sack of the season
Wafle has 11 tackles this season, and he led the Trojans in tackles last week. Wafle still has yet to get his first sack of the season. He has been very close this year many times. I think Wafle will finally capitalize on disruption in another team's backfield, finally finishing the job and getting a sack. Once Wafle gets that first sack, the rest of his dominant production will come.
Kennedy Urlacher leads Trojans' defense to a dominant day
When Kennedy Urlacher had his breakout game in Week 1, the Trojans' defense was lights out. I think the two go hand in hand. Urlacher will be flying all over the field, and he will lead the Trojans in tackles in Week 3. He will also snag his first interception of the season. He is a pivotal member of the Trojans' defense, and for this secondary to step up, it starts with a guy like Kennedy Urlacher.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: What to look for when USC faces Rutgers in 2026 Big Ten opener
