Matt Rhule breaks down challenges that USC QBs present

Two head coaches familiar with each other will be on the sidelines Saturday in Los Angeles. Lincoln Riley and Matt Rhule are set to square off again, this time wearing USC and Nebraska colors. Members of the Big Ten now, the duo used to battle in the Big 12 at Oklahoma and Baylor.

Rhule knows based on first-hand experience how important the quarterback is to Riley’s system. Not even when looking at the passing game but Rhule discussed how Riley uses the quarterback well to run the ball. It’s a modern style of the triple option, sometimes even having the choice to throw to a receiver on the outside.

“I think anytime you play against Coach Riley, one of the great, great offensive masterminds in football, you first have to stop the run,” Rhule said. “Woody Marks is one of the best backs I’ve seen in a long time. Tremendous run system that they have.

“And then they’ve added in with Miller (Moss), and I’m sure Jayden (Maiava) as well, added in the ability to pull the ball and run what amounts to triple option. So, they’re running power and counter gap-type schemes to one side and pulling the ball and the quarterback can run it or throw to a guy on the perimeter.”

Moss has been USC’s starter all season but Riley announced a switch ahead of the bye week. Maiava will be the first guy out there against Nebraska. Not much tape is available on how Maiava works in Riley’s system so Rhule has had to make comparisons.

Maiava’s time in Las Vegas with UNLV was also pulled by the Nebraska staff, hoping to be as prepared as they can be for the first-time Trojan starter.

“Very akin to when they had Jalen Hurts and we competed against him at Oklahoma,” Rhule said. “We went back and watched the quarterback at UNLV. Did a lot of the same things in that go-go offense back there. Throws an elite deep ball. So, he’s a really, really talented player. There’s a reason why everybody wanted him in the portal last year.”

This year, Maiava has thrown for 66 yards on 11 pass attempts, completing eight of them. His feet have been a little more productive with 27 yards and a touchdown on three carries. Not much but still something Rhule is worried about heading into the matchup.