Among all positions in college football, the most challenging and demanding, both physically and mentally, is the quarterback. The past weeks have been harsh and unnerving for more than one head coach in football, and for Lincoln Riley, the lessons of how the sport can arbitrarily change for the worse were bitter and recent; the same goes for USC quarterback Miller Moss. Despite the Week 5 win against the Badgers, doubts have been put forward whether Moss is ready to face fast defenses and scoring attempts. The Trojans are coming off a loss to Michigan, and although Moss’s performance has been remarkable, it has been done at a steep price.

In the recent 38-21 win against the Wisconsin Badgers, Moss completed 16 of 28 passes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. However, Wisconsin had ample possibilities to put pressure on the young quarterback. “It’s just part of playing the position,” Riley said about the hits Moss had to take.

Is that sustainable for a young QB? The O-line’s main job is to protect the QB. Right now, especially in the Trojans’ last two games, they have failed to do that. It may not reflect in the one sack that Moss had in their Week 5 game, but anyone who watched the game the amount of time Moss had to run out of the pocket to make short plays. “Sure, you’d love to leave any game with a quarterback not taking hits, but that’s not always reality.” 

Well, of course, and as far as improvements are concerned, Riley addressed that as well. “Obviously, it’s something we want to continue to clean up but everybody’s involved in that. Schematically we’re involved in it. Miller’s involved in it. The receivers, the backs, the tight ends, the O-line.”

The toughness of Miller Moss: the journey continues

Moss’s leadership is evident. In an interview, running back Woody Marks said. “He’s a very tough person. Anytime he gets knocked down, he gets right back up, no matter what.” This resilience will come in handy for the Trojans as they step up their competition with upcoming fixtures against Minnesota and Penn State.

There was a rather tight touch-throw scrambling against the University of Wisconsin. Those who saw it probably knew Moss was as tough as nails. Moss was pressured by three defenders facing him, and he passed it to Duce Robinson for the score. “

Riley now knows that in every game, there is always some form of danger. Against Wisconsin, Moss also took some hits while rushing. Of course, some of these risks are inherent at this level. But, it’s not easy to break Moss down.

We saw how Moss climbed the ladder and became the starting quarterback. After sitting behind Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, he could have easily chosen to transfer. This is not what Moss did; instead, he chose to remain and continued to learn how and through what he could develop himself. Now, he has become their commander, and the Trojans have a new star on their hands. He has already attracted attention for possible awards with +2000 odds at the Heisman tied for eighth in the DraftKings Sportsbook.

However, considering USC’s hard schedule, it’s pertinent that the QB isn’t in survival mode in every snap.