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The USC Trojans opened their season in dominant fashion, overwhelming Missouri State 73-13 at the Coliseum. The 73 points marked the program’s highest scoring output since 1930, when the Trojans put up 74 against California.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The USC Trojans opened their season in dominant fashion, overwhelming Missouri State 73-13 at the Coliseum. The 73 points marked the program’s highest scoring output since 1930, when the Trojans put up 74 against California.
Offense Fires on All Cylinders
Quarterback Jayden Maiava wasted no time setting the tone, completing 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards. USC racked up 382 yards in the first half alone, racing to a 35-10 lead and never looking back.
Freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet, a Centennial High product, entered in the second half and made the most of his debut. He went 9-for-9 passing for 69 yards, added 54 rushing yards, and scored twice on the ground.
In all, nine different Trojans found the end zone as the team rolled up 597 total yards and scored touchdowns on 10 of their first 11 drives without punting.
“That shows some of the versatility of this team,” head coach Lincoln Riley said. “We were able to get a lot of different guys involved. We scored on defense, too. I expected we would come out and play well on all sides—and we did that.”
Playmakers Everywhere
Makai Lemon led USC receivers with seven catches for 90 yards. Running backs Waymond Jordan, Bryan Jackson and King Miller each scored, with Miller breaking loose for a 75-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Jordan, fresh off leading Hutchinson Community College to a junior college national championship, wasted no time making an impact—his first two touches produced 26- and 1-yard runs, the latter for a touchdown.
Transfer safety Bishop Fitzgerald also made a splash, returning an interception 39 yards for a touchdown to give USC a 28-3 lead early in the second quarter.
“It was just a fun night out there,” Fitzgerald said. “I think setting the tone early was fun to do.”
Missouri State’s Historic Step
Missouri State, moving into Conference USA this season, briefly held a 3-0 lead after its opening drive. Quarterback Jacob Clark finished with 147 passing yards, including a 33-yard touchdown to Tristian Gardner.
Bears head coach Ryan Beard acknowledged the challenge of facing USC in their FBS debut. “Obviously, I wish the score could have been different, but this is the league you’re stepping into,” Beard said. “When you go to FBS, this is what the top looks like. I think this was a good view for everybody.”
Looking Ahead
With an explosive opener in the books, USC (1-0) now turns its attention to hosting Georgia Southern this week at the Coliseum.