It had been about six weeks since we last saw the USC Trojans play football and so much has changed already.
Former Heisman winner Caleb Williams has started his prep for the NFL and his top backup — former No. 1 recruit Malachi Nelson — has entered the transfer portal, along with a number of other Trojans players.
So it was hard to predict what to expect from USC in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl against Louisville on Wednesday. Third string QB Miller Moss was getting his first college start after playing a limited number of snaps over the last three years, and while he certainly had plenty of college interest as a four-star recruit, he was still an unknown commodity.
Well, everyone certainly knows Moss now.
The quarterback diced up the Cardinals’ defense in USC’s 42-28 victory while passing for 372 yards and six touchdowns on just one interception.
Watch Miller Moss go off here ⬇️✌️ pic.twitter.com/EeSnB33km8
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 28, 2023
Arguably no one was happier for Moss than Williams.
While supporting his teammates from the sideline, the likely soon-to-be first round draft pick was going wild for his backup — who may have proven he deserves the starting job next year.
Check out how excited Williams was once the game ended.
@CALEBcsw celebrating with #USC QB @millermoss7 after winning the #HolidayBowl@SportingTrib #FightOn pic.twitter.com/saQcuXGw8d
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) December 28, 2023
Caleb Williams celebrates as Miller Moss is named #HolidayBowl MVP after his first start as #USC QB. pic.twitter.com/Z8gOSLKSYZ
— McKenna Keil (@mckenna_keil) December 28, 2023
It appears the torch has been passed at USC.
