Miller Moss compares role as quarterback to playing chess

This may be Miller Moss‘ first season as the USC‘s starting quarterback, but through two weeks of the season, he’s looked a step ahead of defenses. Leading the Trojans to a 2-0 start which includes wins over a ranked LSU team and Utah State.

Along with operating the USC offense, Moss also knows how to operate on a chessboard. Previously attributing some of his football knowledge to his knowledge of chess and recently asked if he’s used chess at all in his recent preparation.

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“I don’t think there’s direct parallels, I think the biggest carryover is just from how you think and how you approach chess and football, or just like thinking in general,” Moss said. “That carryover can translate to a lot of different areas of your life.”

Chess is an extremely cerebral game, and it’s no secret that no position in football requires more brainpower than quarterback. Tasked with knowing the assignment of all 11 players on the offense along with reading and reacting off of the 11 players on the defensive side of the ball. Put in one of the biggest positions of pressure across all sports.

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But winning the battle before the ball is snapped is half of the battle for a quarterback, a similar thought process to playing chess where there is a premium on premeditated attacks.

“I think that means of thinking, that way to attack people, attack defenses, and then obviously your opponent in chess is similar,” Moss explained. “But there’s no direct carryover from like four four-move checkmate to cover two defense.”

Moss has been attacking defenses in an efficient and calculated fashion so far this season. Completing an impressive 72.7% of his passes through two games after throwing for 378 yards against LSU and 229 yards against Utah State before calling it a night in the third quarter. Throwing a touchdown pass apiece in both games.

USC is in the midst of an early bye week they face one of the biggest physical challenges of the season, taking a trip to Ann Arbor to take on the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines in their first Big Ten matchup ever. Where Moss will look to win the mental battle and lead the Trojans to a big win in the Big House.