USC head coach Lincoln Riley made waves during the Trojans bye week by announcing that quarterback Miller Moss is benched in favor of sophomore Jayden Maiava.

There is a lot to discuss in considering whether elevating Jayden Maiava over Miller Moss is the right move for Lincoln Riley and USC. Let’s talk.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley is benching QB Miller Moss as the Trojans have struggled to a 2-5 record in Big Ten play.

The move relegates Miller Moss to a reserve role after nine uneven starts this season. The redshirt junior’s performance has been marked by costly mistakes.

Jayden Maiava made mistakes in his first USC start, but he played through them and looked composed in big moments. Call it a good first step for him and USC.

Nine plays in, USC’s much-ballyhooed QB change had begun in disaster with an airmailed pick-six, and Lincoln Riley rested his hand on his young quarterback’s shoulder-pad on the sidelines and spoke in sweet reassurances.

Jayden Maiava fondly remembers Marcus Mariota winning the Heisman Trophy at Oregon. A few years later, he cheered while Tua Tagovailoa led Alabama to a national

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava made his first start for the Trojans on Saturday afternoon. How did he fare in the Trojans 28-20 win over Nebraska Cornhuskers?

Two teams, both at pivotal moments, with seasons teetering on the edge. For Nebraska, it’s a fight to secure bowl eligibility; for USC, it’s about salvaging the remnants of a season that once held so much promise.