USC Football Returns To Coliseum To Face First-Time Foe Georgia Southern

ONE GAME AT A TIME

*After a high-scoring recreation to open the 2025 season, the Trojans return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 6 to problem one other new opponent, Georgia Southern.

*The Eagles are led by former USC head coach Clay Helton, bringing him again to acquainted territory.

SCOREBOARD SHATTERED

*USC defeated Missouri State 73-13 to open the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30.

*The Trojans’ 73 factors had been probably the most factors scored in all of faculty soccer final weekend.

*USC’s 73 factors had been additionally probably the most scored by the Trojans since USC defeated California 74-0 on Nov. 8, 1930.

*Additionally, USC’s 73 factors had been probably the most factors scored in a season opener by the Trojans since USC defeated UCLA 76-0 within the 1929 season opener.

*USC’s 42 factors within the first half had been probably the most since scoring 49 factors within the first half versus Stanford on Sept. 9, 2023.

*The Trojans start their 2025 marketing campaign 1-0. USC now has 9 straight season opening wins, and USC head coach Lincoln Riley stays undefeated in season openers as a head coach.

*USC had 9 completely different gamers rating a TD versus the Bears, probably the most for a Trojan crew in program historical past.

*USC’s 10 TDs within the recreation had been probably the most for the Trojans since Oct. 18, 2008 versus Washington State (69-0, 10 TDs with 1 blocked PAT). Against Missouri State, USC recorded 3 TD scoring performs of greater than 60 yards, and 4 of greater than 30 yards.

*As a crew, USC ranks No. 1 within the nation in completion share (.889) and No. 1 within the nation in scoring offense (73.0).

*USC ranks No. 1 within the Big Ten and No. 2 within the nation in third down conversion share (.857).

*The Trojans rank No. 1 within the Big Ten and No. 10 within the nation in passing offense (364.0) and No. 1 within the Big Ten and No. 7 within the nation in complete offense (597.0).

*USC additionally ranks No. 3 within the Big Ten and No. 11 within the nation in passing yards per completion (15.17).

MAIAVA MASTERCLASS

*USC redshirt junior QB Jayden Maiava earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after main the Trojans to a 73-13 victory over Missouri State.

*This is the primary Big Ten weekly honor for Maiava

*Washington RB Jonah Coleman was additionally named a Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

*Maiava accounted for over 300 yards in only one half of soccer.

*He went 15-of-18 (.833) with 2 TDs for 295 yards with a protracted of 73 yards.

*He additionally rushed for 9 yards and scored a TD on a 3-yard quarterback keeper into the top zone.

*His 295 passing yards matched his second-highest passing complete final season (295 yards versus Texas A&M on Dec. 27, 2024). Maiava’s season excessive in 2024 was 360 passing yards versus Notre Dame on Nov. 30.

*Additionally, Maiava’s 295 passing yards within the first half versus Missouri State had been probably the most by a Trojan in a primary half since former USC QB Kedon Slovis’ 347 first-half yards versus Arizona State on Nov. 9, 2019. Former USC QB Cody Kessler additionally had 295 first-half yards towards Arizona State on Sept. 26, 2015.

*Maiava was in full command of the Trojan offense all the first half. Throughout the offseason, Riley and his teammates mentioned his confidence and management improvement. It was displayed on Saturday by his poise in addition to his assist of his teammates. Maiava was at all times the primary particular person to rejoice together with his teammates – offense, protection or particular groups.

MAIAVA METRICS

*After competing in only one half of Saturday’s recreation, Maiava presently leads the nation in a number of statistical classes.

*He ranks No. 1 within the nation in passing effectivity (257.7), No. 1 within the nation in passing yards per completion (19.67) and No. 1 within the nation in yards per go try (16.39).

*Maiava ranks No. 2 within the Big Ten and No. 5 within the nation in completion share (.833).

*He is ranked No. 2 within the Big Ten and No. 21 within the nation in passing yards (295), No. 2 within the Big Ten and No. 15 within the nation in passing yards per recreation (295) and No. 2 within the Big Ten and No. 20 within the nation in complete offense (304.0).

POLYNESIAN TRADITION AND APPLE TV COLLAB

*Including USC QB Jayden Maiava, USC’s first-ever beginning quarterback of Polynesian descent, USC has a wealthy custom of Polynesian gamers which have been integral members of the soccer program.

*USC presently boasts 15 gamers of Polynesian first rate on the roster: OL Micah Banuelos, OL Ratumana Bulabalavu, WR Makai Lemon, QB Jayden Maiava, OL Alani Noa, DT Kobe Pepe, OL Makai Saina, LB Matai Tagoa’i, OL Erwin Taomi, OL Justin Tauanuu, LB AJ Tuitele, TE Taniela Tupou, OL Elijah Vaikona, OL Willi Wascher and WR Zacharyus Williams.

*Last Saturday, Apple TV debuted a promo video collaboration with USC Football for its hit streaming collection Chief of War starring Jason Momoa.

*In the video, centered round USC’s Polynesian heritage, Momoa addresses QB Jayden Maiava and the Trojan soccer crew. Check it out right here!

WAYMO — ALL YOU SEE IS TAILLIGHTS

*Although he solely touched the ball on six performs all through the sport, JUCO product RB Waymond Jordan’s electrical efficiency was sufficient to ignite the thrill among the many Trojan trustworthy.

*On USC’s first offensive collection, Jordan acquired the hand off on second-and-4. He juked left, shimmied proper and scattered 26-yards down the sector to get inside 10 with an explosion from the group.

*On the next play, Jordan obtained the ball once more and slipped into the top zone, making it look straightforward, to place the primary factors on the board for the Trojans.

*Jordan, the No. 1 JUCO working again within the nation and 2024 the JUCOWeekly Trophy winner (introduced to The Best JUCO Player in America — junior school’s equal to the Heisman Trophy), expressed his immense gratitude for the chance to play at USC throughout his post-game media availability.

*”I kind of want to cry a little bit being here for the first time. Honestly, you dream of playing somewhere like here as a kid.” – RB Waymond Jordan

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT WAYMO

*Matt Leinart, USC Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “Been hearing great things about Waymond Jordan all offseason. This kid is going to be special this year.”

BACKFIELD BONANZA

*In addition to Jordan, each Trojan working again that performed in Saturday’s recreation scored a TD.

*Earlier final week, USC head coach Lincoln Riley mentioned, “”I’m fairly excited concerning the room. I’ll put it this fashion, I’ll be dissatisfied if it isn’t one of the best room we have had since we have been at ‘SC.”

*With 25 seconds left within the first half, RB Eli Sanders showcased his unbelievable pace by galloping down the sector on a 73-yard strike for a TD.

*Sanders completed the sport with 5 carries for 33 yards and 1 reception for 73 yards and a TD. He additionally recorded 1 kickoff return for 19 yards.

*Sanders, a switch from New Mexico and a Southern California prep prospect, shared an analogous notion to Jordan relating to the unbelievable alternative to play at USC.

*”This is my dream school. I always wanted to play here. I bet on myself, and now I’m here.” – RB Eli Sanders

*The bulldozing again, RB Bryan Jackson, made his presence recognized by scoring on the finish of the primary quarter to extend USC’s result in 14-3.

*With a fantastic block from RG Alani Noa on not one, however two defenders, he was capable of pave the best way for Jackson to search out the clear path to blast by the road and into the top zone on a 3-yard rush.

*Jackson completed the sport with 5 carries for 11 yards and 1 TD.

*In his first recreation as a Trojan, redshirt freshman RB King Miller scored on a 75-yard speeding play with 5:30 left within the third quarter.

*It was the longest speeding TD for a Trojan since former USC RB Quinton Joyner scored on a 75-yard rush versus Penn State on Oct. 12, 2024.

*Also notably, his twin brother, OL Kaylon Miller was on the sector for the Trojans on the offensive line blocking for his brother.

*Miller presently ranks No. 11 within the Big Ten in speeding yards and speeding yards per recreation (80).

*Miller completed the sport as USC’s main rusher with 4 carries for 80 yards and 1 TD.

*USC had two scoring performs of greater than 70 yards within the recreation: RB Eli Sanders’ 73-yard TD reception and RB King Miller’s 75-yard TD rush. The final time the Trojans had two scoring performs of greater than 70 yards was Nov. 7, 2015 versus Arizona: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster’s 72-yard TD reception and RB Ronald Jones’ 74-yard TD run.

BIG TARGETS, BIGGER PLAYS

*The Trojan tight finish recreation was a focus of Saturday’s recreation as redshirt senior TE Lake McRee and redshirt junior TE Carson Tabaracci each scored TDs for USC.

*McRee’s TD within the second quarter elevated USC’s result in 21-3. The Bears blitzed, McRee faked the block after which took off, nabbing a 64-yard reception from QB Maiava. The massive man took off down the sector, and nobody was stopping him till he discovered the top zone.

*This reception was not solely his career-long, but it surely was the longest reception by a USC tight finish since Kori Dickerson had a 66-yard reception towards UCLA on Nov. 17, 2001.

*To shut out the sport, Tabaracci put an exclamation level on the night time with a 9-yard TD reception.

LEMON IN THE LIMELIGHT

*Against Missouri State, junior WR Makai Lemon was USC’s main receiver with 7 receptions for 90 yards.

*Over the final 9 video games, Lemon has recorded 85.8 receiving yards a recreation.

*He additionally recorded 2 kickoff returns for 43 yards with a protracted of 24. LOOK OUT FOR LANE

*While it was certainly one of his quieter video games statistically, do not sleep on junior WR Ja’Kobi Lane.

*He completed the sport with 3 receptions for 33 yards.

*What could also be beneath the radar was Lane’s unselfish recreation.

*During RB Eli Sander’s epic 73-yard TD play, Lane made a vital block that allowed Sanders to take it to the home.

*Lane has been vocal about his offseason improvement within the areas of maturity and self-discipline.

*Former USC WR and present Altana Falcons star Drake London was requested if Lane reminds him of himself. He mentioned, “No, he’s much more smooth. He makes catches that I don’t see in the NFL that much.”

HOMEGROWN AND DOMINANT

*All strings on the Trojan offensive line impressed all through all the recreation.

*All 5 starters on USC’s offensive line had been recruited by Riley out of highschool and have been developed in our program.

BLESSED BY BISHOP

*With some strain up from the Trojan defensive position – a twist, a stunt and a few epic physicality, Mo. State’s QB Jacob Clark felt the warmth and USC S Bishop Fitzgerald was studying him like a e book. He locked in, snatched the INT and took all of it the best way to the home.

*Fitzgerald’s 39-yard INT return for a TD within the second quarter was the primary Trojan pick-six since Mason Cobb picked off a 55-yard INT return versus Wisconsin on Sept. 28, 2024.

*His INT was USC’s first pick-six in a season opener since USC recorded three pick-sixes versus Rice on Sept. 3, 2022.

*Fitzgerald, who transferred from NC State previous to this season, had 5 INTs in two years with the Wolfpack. Saturday’s pick-six was the primary of his profession.

*Per PFF, Fitzgerald ranks No. 1 amongst all Big Ten defenders, No. 1 amongst all FBS defensive backs and No. 3 amongst all FBS defenders with a 96.5 defensive grade. Fitzgerald ranks No. 3 within the nation and No. 2 within the Big Ten in INTs per recreation (1). He additionally ranks No. 12 within the nation and No. 3 within the Big Ten in passes defended (2.0).

*Prior to taking part in in junior school, Fitzgerald was a quarterback. He credit his data of the sport from the offensive facet of the ball to efficiently get into the thoughts of the QB and make reads.

*Fellow security, Christian Pierce was notably enthusiastic about Fitzgerald’s INT. Fitzgerald credit Pierce for serving to him be taught the USC protection after transferring from NC State. Pierce’s unselfishness confirmed his robust character within the switch portal period, when many can be cautious of a brand new participant becoming a member of their place room. It speaks to the camaraderie of this Trojan crew.

D’ANTON’S DYNAMIC DEFENSE

*Shocking Effort. Obnoxious Communication. Attack. USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn‘s three defensive pillars had been on full show on Saturday night because the Trojan defenders continued to search out their method into the backfield and log 13 TFLs for minus 47 yards, probably the most within the nation over the weekend.

*The Trojans additionally collected 5 sacks for minus 25 yards. In 2024, USC’s protection, probably the most improved within the nation, logged 21 sacks.

*DE Braylan Shelby led the crew with 4 tackles, together with 3.5 for lack of 13 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 11 yards). He advised the Los Angeles media that his purpose was 10 sacks on the season, and he is actually on his method there.

*DE Kameryn Fountain was an absolute menace reeking havoc and was disruptive all the recreation. He collected 2 tackles, together with 2 for lack of 6 yards (with 1 sack for minus 4 yards).

*DT Devan Thompkins, a pacesetter on the Trojan protection, tallied 2 tackles, together with 1 for lack of 3 yards.

*Prior to arriving at USC in 2022, Thompkins, now a starter on the Trojan defensive position, had not performed soccer for the reason that sixth grade, and as a substitute focused on basketball. He picked soccer again up as senior in highschool, and the remainder is historical past.

*DT Jide Abasiri notched the primary sack of his profession towards the Bears.

*USC logged a second INT towards the Bears. Redshirt sophomore CB Kevin Longstreet jumped as much as tip a Mo. State go and redshirt junior DE Garrett Pomerantz, taking part in in his first ever recreation, caught the tipped go and returned it for 37 yards.

FRESHMEN DEBUT

*Many younger Trojans made their Coliseum debut final Saturday.

*Freshman QB Husan Longstreet began the second half of the sport and allowed the Trojan Family a glimpse into the long run.

*His distinctive athleticism was on full show as he went 9-for-9 for 69 yards and 1 TD, in addition to rushed for 54 yards on 8 carries and ran in 2 TDs himself.

*Freshman WR Tanook Hines additionally noticed vital taking part in time and recorded 1 reception for 11 yards.

*Freshman LB Matai Tagoa’i made an enormous play on a strip sack and redshirt freshman S Isaiah Rubin got here up with the restoration.

UNIVERSITY OF SHARK CENTRAL

*Did you hear the Jaw’s theme tune taking part in on defensive third downs within the Coliseum?

*USC’s “sharks” patrol the protection, circling the opponent’s offense and hanging with relentless precision. On third downs, the Jaws theme blasts by the Coliseum—a warning that the sharks are within the water and there is not any straightforward escape.

STEADY SPECIAL TEAMS

*While USC did not punt all the recreation, USC Ok Ryon Sayeri was constant and regular main the Trojan particular groups unit.

*Sayeri scored 11 factors for the Trojans going 8-of-8 on additional level makes an attempt and nailing a 32-yard discipline purpose.

*USC was 10-of-10 on additional factors within the recreation (with backup kicker William Weisberg scoring on the ultimate two PATs), matching a program singlegame document. USC additionally made 10 additional factors in 2005 versus Arkansas and in 1921 versus Cal Tech.

GAME BALLS

*After the sport, USC head coach Lincoln Riley introduced recreation balls to S Bishop Fitzgerlad, DE Garrett Pomerantz, TE Carson Tabaracci, LB Matai Tagoa’i, RB King Miller, OL Kaylon Miller and Ok Ryon Sayeri.

RANKINGS

*Due to varsity soccer video games being performed by Monday night, the AP Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll will come out on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

*Last week, neither USC nor Georgia Southern had been ranked.

SERIES

*USC and Georgia Southern haven’t beforehand performed.

VERSUS THE SUN BELT

*USC is 1-0 towards groups from the Sun Belt Conference. USC defeated Arkansas State 55-6 in 2015 on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

IN SEPTEMBER

*USC has a 199-56-8 (.772) all-time document whereas taking part in within the month of September (doesn’t embrace 3 wins vacated on account of NCAA penalty; authentic document: 202-56-8, .774).

IN THE COLISEUM

*USC is 471-151-27 (.747) within the Coliseum, not together with 6 wins vacated on account of NCAA penalty (authentic document: 6-0 in 2005 and 477-151-27, .749 within the Coliseum).

*USC started play in Coliseum throughout 1923 season, going 4-1 there that season.

COUNTING AT THE COLI

*USC’s 655 video games performed within the Coliseum (together with 6 wins vacated by NCAA penalty) are the third most that any faculty has performed in its residence stadium, behind Georgia Tech’s 729 in Bobby Dodd Stadium and Tennessee’s 657 in Neyland Stadium. TV OUTLETS

*USC has appeared dwell on 35 completely different tv broadcasting retailers. The Trojans have gained on the air on all however 3 of these retailers (KTLA, Innovative and an area Memphis station). USC has appeared on dwell nationwide, regional or native telecasts 593 occasions.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN CONNECTIONS

*USC has 7 participant from the state of Georgia (WR Asante Das, CB James Johnson, LB Garrison Madden, TE Walter Matthews, S Steve Miller, OL Alex Payne and S Kendarius Reddick), whereas Georgia Southern has 1 participant from the state of California.

*USC DE Kameryn Fountain and Georgia Southern DL Kwon McGinney are each from Mobile, Ala.

*USC LB Garrison Madden and Georgia Southern OL Colin Alexander each prepped at Dutchtown HS in Hampton, Ga.

*USC CB James Johnson, Georgia Southern LB Braxtin McLester and Georgia Southern DL Korey Jordan all are from Douglas, Ga. and prepped at Douglas Country HS.

*USC OL Alex Payne and Georgia Southern WR Jeremiah Ware each are from Gainesville, Ga. and prepped at Gainesville HS.

*USC P Sam Johnson and Georgia Southern TE Henry Gregory are each from Birmingham, Ala.

*USC WR Asante Das, Georgia Southern LB Holden Trice and Georgia Southern DB Phillip Gladney are from Kennesaw, Ga.

*USC WR Jay Fair and Georgia Southern WR Camden Brown had been teammates at Auburn in 2022 and 2023.

*Georgia Southern Head Coach Clay Helton was the top coach at USC from 2015-2021. Prior to that, he was USC’s quarterbacks coach starting in 2010 beneath former USC head coach Lane Kiffin’s tenure, after which took over the position of offensive coordinator in 2013. As a head coach, he went 46-24 (.657) and gained the 2017 Rose Bowl with the Trojans through the 2016 season.

*USC Secondary Coach Doug Belk spent 5 seasons (2019-23) at Houston. From 2019-20, he was a co-defensive coordinator, and from 2021-23, he served as affiliate head coach/defensive coordinator. Georgia Southern Head Coach Clay Helton performed quarterback at Houston from 1993-94, beneath his father, former Houston head coach, Kim Helton.

*USC Running Backs Coach / Run Game Coordinator Anthony Jones Jr. was beforehand the working backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Memphis from 2018-21, and Georgia Southern Head Coach Clay Helton spent 10 seasons at Memphis. He served because the working backs coach for 3 seasons, then coached the Tigers’ receivers for the following 4 seasons, earlier than turning into the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the ultimate three years.

*USC Assistant Head Coach for Defense / Linebackers Coach Rob Ryan was beforehand a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky in 1987, the place Georgia Southern Head Coach Clay Helton’s brother, Tyson Helton, is now the top coach. Tyson was additionally the quarterbacks coach and go recreation coordinator at USC from 2016-17.

*USC Offensive Analyst Grayson Reed was a member of the Texas A&M soccer crew (2017- 20), whereas Georgia Southern Defensive Coordinator / Safeties Coach Brandon Bailey was a Graduate Assistant and Defensive Analyst for the crew in 2019-2020.

*USC Associate Director of Football Sports Performance Lonnie Maddox served as an assistant power coach at Kansas State in 2024, whereas Georgia Southern Director of Recruiting Operations, Riley Galpin, additionally labored at Ok-State for the soccer program because the Assistant Director of On-Campus Recruiting.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN SCOUTING REPORT

*Georgia Southern fell to Fresno State of their season opener final Saturday 14-42.

*It was a tango of former Trojans as former USC head coach Clay Helton (now GSU’s HC) dueled with former USC assistant head coach for protection / linebackers Coach Matt Entz (now Fresno State’s HC).

*Fresno State’s protection restricted the GCU offense to 242 complete yards – 158 passing (5.6 yards per go) and simply 84 yards speeding on 21 makes an attempt (4.0 yards per rush).

*QB JC French IV went 17-of-28 for 158 yards and a pair of TDs with 1 INT.

*WR Camden Brown was GSU’s high receiver notching 4 receptions for 55 yards and 1 TD.

*The floor recreation was led by RB OJ Arnold who tallied 9 carries for 41 yards.

*The Eagles had been 4-of-11 on third down conversions

*Georgia Southern ran simply 49 performs within the recreation as Fresno State managed the ball for 38:01 within the recreation.

*Fresno State completed with 527 complete yards, together with 351 yards speeding — its most since totaling 389 on Sept. 20, 2014.