USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss throws two interceptions in loss at Minnesota

The USC Trojans lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers 24-17 on Saturday, October 5th. Minnesota outscored USC 14-0 in the fourth quarter, and the go-ahead touchdown with 56 seconds left made the difference.

The No. 11 Trojans are 3-2 on the season and Trojans quarterback Miller Moss had a memorable performance. He went 23 for 38 with 200 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Moss immediate response

Trojans quarterback Miller Moss was asked after the game what Minnesota did to stifle USC's passing game.

“They did a really good job limiting our possessions offensively. I thought we destroyed them in the run game. . . . I felt like we were moving the ball up and down the field, but I didn't extrapolate the points accordingly.”

USC had 373 yards of offense, including 173 yards on the ground.

It was frustrating that the Trojans only scored 17 points. Lincoln Riley seemed particularly upset in his postgame presser after there was a question directed at defensive end Jamil Muhammad about Minnesota's go-ahead touchdown and whether it went in or not.

Riley said, “Don’t ask him that. Next question… Let’s ask a more professional question.”

Trojans offense struggles with loss

The USC offense never seemed to get into a consistent rhythm against the Minnesota defense despite the Trojans' solid start to the game. Moss started his first six passes, but a third down pass was deflected by Zachariah Branch to end that streak and force a field goal attempt. This kick would do no good and the game remained 0-0.

Most of Moss's attempts were short passes near the offensive line. Moss didn't take many shots on the field.

The Trojans scored in the second quarter with a three-yard touchdown catch by Duce Robinson and a touchdown run by Woody Marks early in the third quarter.

The wheels fell off for the Trojans in the fourth quarter as they defended a 17-10 lead. A strip interception by Miller Moss led to a game-winning Minnesota touchdown. After USC got the ball back, it made a three-pointer and hit it right back to Minnesota.

The Gophers marched down the field and scored a fourth-and-goal touchdown with 56 seconds left to take a 24-17 lead.

The Trojans' attempt to tie the game failed as a pass from Miller Moss was intercepted in the end zone. Moss' second interception sealed Minnesota's victory and improved the Gophers' record on the year to 3-3.

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