The USC soccer story of the week, the quarterback change from Miller Moss to Jayden Maiava, is a vital transfer by Lincoln Riley. It is sensible on some apparent ranges, mainly as a result of Riley and USC wanted to get a have a look at Maiava earlier than the tip of the season. USC isn’t taking part in for a championship. It could possibly afford to present Maiava the keys to the automobile and see how the offense performs.
This transfer isn’t being made primarily to assist USC win. That’s a part of the calculus, nevertheless it’s not the primary motive. Riley is giving Maiava an opportunity to compile sport tape and presumably hold him throughout the program in 2025. Not taking part in Maiava may lead the quarterback to switch out of USC. Riley doesn’t need that, and he can’t afford that. Profitable on Saturday is secondary, not major, on this calculus.
This brings up a degree: Whereas Riley shouldn’t be criticized for ready this lengthy to begin Maiava, we will level out that having two quarterbacks with totally different ability units could possibly be changed into a tactical benefit.
Miller Moss can have a bundle for him. Jayden Maiava can have his personal bundle of performs. Each may play and provides USC extra versatility.
Take into account this: When USC acquired stuffed close to the purpose line by Washington final Saturday, think about what might need been totally different if Maiava, a dual-threat quarterback, had been on the sector. Washington couldn’t crash down in opposition to the run as aggressively, figuring out a Maiava bootleg was a chance.
We’re not criticizing Riley for a way he dealt with his quarterbacks this yr, however we’re declaring that sooner or later, if Riley doesn’t have a Caleb Williams-level celebrity at quarterback, he may think about using two totally different guys in particular conditions with particular packages. He may optimize his assets and get extra from his offense. That’s our modest level.
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