USC Football Highlights: Miller Moss Leads Trojans to Holiday Bowl Victory Over Louisville
Your USC Trojans may have found their QB1 for the 2024 season, and he goes by the name Miller Moss.
In a dazzling debut as a starter, Moss showcased his prowess, earning the title of offensive MVP in the Holiday Bowl. The stats speak for themselves—372 passing yards, a Holiday Bowl and USC bowl record six touchdowns, and one interception on 23 completions out of 33 attempts. It was an electrifying performance that left Trojan faithful buzzing with excitement—and the team to a 42-28 blowout win over the Louisville Cardinals, to boot.
The burning question now is whether Miller Moss has clinched the coveted QB1 spot for the Trojans in the upcoming 2024 season. The answer? A resounding yes. Regardless of the opponent and circumstances, Moss demonstrated he possesses the skill and composure to lead the Trojans into the next season. The decision ultimately rests with head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff, but Moss has undoubtedly made a compelling case for himself.
Let's not overlook the defensive standout of the game, junior safety Jaylin Smith, who racked up an impressive 12 solo tackles. Smith's contribution was pivotal to the victory, particularly considering the Trojans' defensive struggles in previous outings. After allowing an average of 42 points per game in the last eight matchups, the defense displayed a noticeable improvement in the Holiday Bowl. The Trojans ' defense showcased resilience and progress by surrendering 358 total yards and forcing two turnovers, including a crucial fumble recovery that sealed the game.
It's worth noting that this defensive resurgence occurred without several key starters. The unit held its ground, giving up one touchdown per quarter—a stark contrast to the struggles witnessed throughout the regular season. D'Anton Lynn, the new defensive coordinator, was absent from coaching this game, making the performance even more commendable.
This Holiday Bowl victory serves as a promising precursor to the 2024 season. While it's crucial not to read too much into a single game, the Trojans have reason to be optimistic. The new year brings new possibilities, and if Moss's debut and the defensive showing are indicative of things to come, Trojan fans have every reason to eagerly anticipate the upcoming season. The momentum is building, and the anticipation is palpable—2024 is shaping up to be an exciting chapter for USC football.
