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USC could be missing several starting defensive backs vs. Rutgers, per report

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

USC may be without as many as 4 starting defensive backs when the Trojans host Rutgers on Friday night, according to a report.

That news was shared by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz on Friday evening. Zenitz reports that safety Kamari Ramsey as well as cornerbacks Jaylin Smith, Jacobe Covington and Greedy Vance are all “doubtful” to play against the Scarlet Knights.

Any of those players would be a significant loss for the Trojans, let alone all 4. Ramsey, Smith and Vance all played last week in USC’s narrow loss to Maryland. Covington has been out since the Minnesota game.

If there’s a silver lining for USC, it’s that Rutgers does not have an elite passing offense — it’s possible the Trojans will be able to still defend the pass even with backups all over the secondary. Rutgers ranks 16th in the Big Ten in passer efficiency rating entering Week 9.

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions so far this season. However, he has a 2-to-4 TD-to-INT ratio against Big Ten opposition in 2024.

The betting line for this game has not noticeably moved in light of this report. USC remains a 14-point favorite over Rutgers, per the latest odds from bet365.

Kickoff is set for 11 p.m. ET on Friday night.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.