USC defeats Rutgers 42-35 in both teams’ Big Ten opener. Jayden Maiava throws for 277 yards and two touchdowns, while King Miller rushes for 102 yards and a touchdown. USC does not trail and builds a 35-21 lead with 5:52 remaining in the third quarter. Rutgers reduces the deficit to 35-28 later in the third, then the teams exchange touchdowns in the fourth.
USC enters the game 4-0, according to one report, while Rutgers is 0-3 at kickoff. The scoring swing after USC’s third-quarter cushion keeps the game close, culminating in a one-score final margin. The available coverage emphasizes the same individual performances and the overall flow of the score—USC’s early control followed by Rutgers’ late rallies.
Other outlets provide the same core game details, with no substantial differences in reported statistics, leaders, or final score in the material provided.
