Ohio State's QB Crisis: USC Faces Top-2 Threat in LA

Saturday's 4:30 p.m. kickoff at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum presents a specific challenge for unranked USC. The Trojans must defend against the second-ranked Ohio State offense, a unit that remains dangerous despite the indefinite absence of quarterback Julian Sayin.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith anchors the Buckeyes' attack. He leads the Big Ten with 984 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith averages 140.6 yards per game and 7.4 yards per catch. Head coach Lincoln Riley compares Smith to Michael Crabtree, noting that Smith may be the most dominant player Riley has coached in recent years.

The quarterback position presents a variable for USC's defense. Ryan Day has not named a starter. Freshman Luke Fahey, from Mission Viejo High School, has completed 9 of 13 passes for 203 yards and two interceptions in four games. Sophomore Tavien St. Clair has thrown for 52 yards and one interception in two games. Riley described the situation as feeling like the first game of the season, requiring USC to adjust to new signals.

Ohio State's rushing attack provides a counterbalance to the passing game. Bo Jackson has 542 yards on 107 carries. Ja'Kobi Jackson, who has 356 yards on 59 carries, is out with a Lisfranc injury. Isaiah West, with 133 yards on 28 rushes, is expected to assume the primary role. Defensive tackle Jide Abasiri noted that the lack of film on the new quarterbacks makes the line of scrimmage unpredictable.

USC's defense allows 8.1 yards per reception and 216.4 passing yards per game. The Trojans must limit Smith while managing the potential shift to a run-heavy scheme. Safety Prophet Brown emphasized that the team must focus on its own execution rather than the opponent's ranking.

The Trojans' offense, led by Jayden Maiava, ranks second in the conference in passing. The offensive line has generally provided adequate protection, excluding the recent loss in Wisconsin. King Miller leads the running game, though second-string back Waymond Jordan is still recovering from an ankle injury and was not listed on the availability report.

Ohio State's pass defense, directed by Matt Patricia, allows 171.4 passing yards per game. Maiava may need to utilize quick throws to avoid pressure from the Buckeyes' front. The game will be broadcast on NBC and 710 AM.