USC Trojans running back Woody Marks reveals quarterback Miller Moss’ development

USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss is the latest in a long line of playmakers to succeed under Lincoln Riley, known for his offensive innovations and quarterback development.

After playing as a backup for three seasons, Moss engaged in a battle for the quarterback position with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava during spring practice, which continued into fall practice. Moss was eventually named the starting quarterback before the Trojans' season opener against the LSU Tigers. However, after his six-touchdown performance against the Louisville Cardinals in the Holiday Bowl, there was little doubt who would lead USC this season.

Running back Woody Marks shares his observations of Moss's development from December, when the Mississippi State transfer first saw his quarterback, through the fall.

“Now you speak up, you're the starting quarterback now and you're in charge of the team,” Marks said. “Football-wise, you can see a big jump from pre-snap reads to everything else. Now it's natural for him to call it this is coming or that is coming. He's got it down to a tee now.”

Moss has been a standout in two games this season. The redshirt junior has thrown for 607 yards and two touchdowns while completing 72.7 percent of his passes. Moss was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his performance this week against the LSU Tigers.

“He's very focused on the game,” Marks said. “I see similarities between Will (Rodgers) and Mike Leach that I also see between Miller (Moss) and Lincoln Riley. They're both very similar, but I think Miller is a little more advanced on offense. He knows how to do it, he's just like Lincoln Riley. He's a great quarterback under pressure.”

Another standout performance from Moss on one of college football's biggest stages can catapult him into Heisman contention. Saturday's game against the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor marks the Trojans' entry into Big Ten Conference play and Moss's first career road start.