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Why Isn’t Jayden Maiava Running More For The USC Trojans?

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Dwayne Douglas | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 3:28 PM ET

USC Trojans fans have enjoyed watching the USC running game this season. But with the injuries suffered to their running backs, there will be times when they will struggle to move the ball on the ground.

In their last game vs. Notre Dame, USC couldn’t get the engine started on the ground. With Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders out of action, the missing piece to the Trojan running game is QB Jayden Maiava.

So, before you say, “Dwayne, you’re joking, right?”, hear me out.

When USC goes to the RPO game and Jayden never pulls the ball out from the running back. The QB has one important key when running this concept, and if the defense crashes down, it gives the QB an opening to run.

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I’m not confusing Jayden with Michael Vick or any other great running QB, but Jayden needs to run to keep the defense honest. If you just let the defensive end crash, then this can slow down your running game.

Playing good offensive football is about consistently giving a defense something to think about. Jayden, with just 2 to 3 QB runs a game, could help an already potent USC offense.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ Passing Game Isn’t Potent

Why Isn't Jayden Maiava Running More For The USC Trojans? 1 Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans’ wide receivers are the envy of any team they play. Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane can take over games and put up big numbers on the scoreboard. Their counterparts from Nebraska are not game changers at the WR position.

Nyziah Hunter and Jacob Barney are solid, but not the guys who compare to Lemon and Lane. Cornhusker QB Dylan Riola, who is talented no doubt, struggles to play in the structure of the offense. Meaning when the simple play is there, he can hold the ball and look to make a Patrick Mahomes-type play. If this is your first time hearing or seeing Riola play this weekend vs USC, you will quickly see that the Cornhusker QB idol is the Super Bowl champion of the Chiefs.

Dana Holgorsen is the offensive coordinator for Nebraska. The scouting report on his passing game includes a high volume of attempts and efficiency. They want to get the ball out with quick passing concepts to move the ball down the field and improve consistency.

Before Holgorsen took over the play calling at Nebraska, they were more of a team that took a bunch a deep shots down the field. But not so much anymore.

Nebraska ranks 45th in the country in EPA/Pass. Their average 3rd down distance is 6.89 yards and ranks 54th in the nation. The passing offense ranks 25th, and pass efficiency ranks 11th.

With the Cornhuskers’ death by a thousand cuts passing game, it will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will attack what Coach Holgorsen calls on Saturday.