It was a difficult week for USC TrojansNot only did they lose their game against Maryland on October 19, 29-28, but they may be missing key players due to injuries. The Friday game is against Rutgers.

But despite this Injuries on the rise at Southern Cal It looks like the team isn’t too worried. Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby said during a media availability session Wednesday that if USC wants to turn things around, it will start with one word.

To apply.

“It’s really just execution, I mean execution is the name of the game at the end of the day. It’s something we have to go out there and get better at and finish. That’s a really big thing for us, just going out there and making sure we finish the Games and get the win at the end of the day,” Shelby said.

Due to injuries and midseason redshirts, Shelby saw an increased role in his newfound opportunities during his redshirt freshman season.

“Obviously it’s the next man up mentality… I definitely took those (opportunities) to the best of my abilities, there’s definitely always room for improvement,” Shelby said.

Shelby is having one of his best games of the season against the Terrapins. He made three tackles, matching his season high and bringing his total to 13 for the season. With his high toughness and motor, he showed why USC coaches had such a high opinion of the freshman linebacker. Shelby only has one sack on the season, but that’s something he’d like to change.

“Right now I’m really still focusing on getting to that quarterback, I mean I’ve gotten close a few times, but it’s not like getting him down the field,” Shelby said. “My pass rush is improving.”

Trojans could potentially be missing defensive backs Kamari Ramsey, Jaylin Smith and Jacobe Covington. USC coach Lincoln Riley He said they are making progress towards playing on Friday, but there is still no guarantee. The Trojans playing on a short week could be something to watch going forward.

“We’re hopeful, we’re hopeful, they’ve all shown some positive signs. Short week is the challenge there,” Riley said. he said. “That’s one of the big downsides of the short week is that when a few guys are down, there’s a little bit less time not only to be healthy but also in terms of preparation.”

The USC Trojans (3-4, 1-4 Big Ten) will host the Rutgers Scarlett Knights (4-3, 0-3) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Friday, October 25 at 8 p.m.