In a commanding home performance on Friday night, the University of Southern California Trojans (2‑0) defeated Fresno State 39‑0, solidifying their early‑season dominance. Quarterback Jayden Maiava led the offensive onslaught, completing 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley.
Offensive highlights
Maiava’s precision passing set the tone early. After a 68‑yard touchdown strike to Mosley, the Trojans added a 10‑yard scoring reception by the same freshman before halftime, giving Maiava four catches for 104 yards. Tanook Hines contributed a touchdown reception on the opening drive, while running back Waymond Jordan capped the first half with a rushing score, pushing the lead to 30‑0 at the break.
Coach Lincoln Riley praised the effort, calling it a “pretty complete game from the team” and expressing excitement about the finish. Maiava added that the squad is “all on the same page and playing at a really high level,” while acknowledging a few areas still need polishing.
Defensive dominance
Defensive coordinator Gary Patterson’s first game in charge saw the Trojans limit Fresno State to just 116 total yards, including a paltry 49 yards through three quarters. The defense recorded two safeties and forced two turnovers. Kennedy Urlacher, son of former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, tallied two sacks and a safety on a blitz, while also leading the team in tackles.
Freshman defensive back Prophet Brown celebrated his first career interception, describing the moment as “everything” after a year‑long injury layoff.
Fresno State’s struggle
Fresno State quarterback Jayden Mandal, in only his second career start, completed 7 of 15 passes for 77 yards and turned the ball over twice. Head coach Matt Entz, a former USC assistant, called the performance “unacceptable” but remained supportive, noting Mandal’s inexperience and promising to keep him “out there all night long.” The Bulldogs, who have not beaten USC since 1992, were unable to generate any sustained offense, averaging just 2.6 yards per play.
Looking ahead
The Trojans now turn their attention to a matchup with No. 2 Oregon on Sept. 26, while Fresno State will host Sacramento State on Sept. 12. USC’s early success suggests they are poised to contend for the conference title, but coach Riley cautioned that the team must continue to refine its execution against tougher opponents.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
