In a challenging matchup against Michigan, USC’s offensive line struggled to provide the necessary support, yet running back Woody Marks’ reliability and talent prevailed.
His steadiness has been evident in all three matchups this season, as he consistently performs under pressure and delivers when the team needs him most. His performance against the Wolverines this weekend served as a beacon of hope in the middle of a tough game.
Insights from practice interviews revealed the Trojans’ struggles early in the game, a situation head coach Lincoln Riley described as one where “the entire group needs to improve”.
Riley acknowledged that while there were moments of solid blocking, missed assignments plagued the offense and resulted in a tough loss.
Marks, however, refused to let the struggles of others affect his performance. The running back has quickly developed into a crucial player for USC this season after transferring from Mississippi State and bringing his skill set to the Trojans. Throughout the first three games, he has consistently put up solid statistics despite the offensive line’s inconsistencies. In the Michigan game alone, he rushed for 100 yards.
Highlighting his personal performance, Marks recalled a crucial moment in which he made a stunning chase-down strip fumble recovery.
“When he switched the ball, that’s when I was like, I’m not going to tackle him,” Marks said. “I probably don’t know how to tackle him, hit his leg, but when he switched the ball, I just knew I was going for the ball.”
His effort in that moment demonstrated not just his ability, but also his comprehension of the game.
“Defensive players really don’t know how to carry the ball…so they don’t know how to protect it as well as we do on the offensive side,” said Marks.
Quarterback Miller Moss also noted Marks’ effort saying, “It was one of the best single-player efforts I’ve ever seen, which speaks to Woody’s toughness and mentality.”
“Coach Riley has always told us that the team looks to the quarterback for their identity,” Moss continued. . “We have a lot of tough guys on this team, like Woody… I give everything I have because of how he plays.”
Despite his rather excellent performance, Marks faced disappointment when he was tackled just short of the end zone on a crucial drive for the Trojans.
“[The Big Ten] that’s a big deal right there. Not very many penalties, quality football, going after it I….. played a heck of a game, physical game, so it was a good game overall,” Marks said.
The showdown against Michigan was quite a learning experience for the Trojans. Marks acknowledged the team’s slow start, emphasizing that games are won by attention to detail and communication.
“We’ve got to play all four quarters,” Marks said. “Today in practice, I think we played all four quarters, and we’ve just got to transition that into the game….. everyone needs to lock in. It starts with us as a team, not the coaches.”
Mark’s response stresses the importance of teamwork, reminding his teammates that the road to progress starts with self-control and dedication from each player.
As USC looks to bounce back, Marks will undoubtedly remain a key player to watch. Going into the matchup against Wisconsin the emphasis on teamwork, dedication and attention to detail embodied by the running back will be crucial.