The USC Trojans came out like gangbusters as Waymond Jordan rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown, and Ja’Kobi Lane hauled in a highlight-reel one-handed score. The Trojans (2-0) piled up 755 total yards in a 59-20 rout of Georgia Southern at the Coliseum.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The USC Trojans came out like gangbusters as Waymond Jordan rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown, and Ja’Kobi Lane hauled in a highlight-reel one-handed score. The Trojans (2-0) piled up 755 total yards in a 59-20 rout of Georgia Southern at the Coliseum.
Walker Lyons added a touchdown catch, while Eli Sanders ran for two more scores.
Early Adversity, Strong Response
Jordan’s big day didn’t start smoothly. On USC’s opening series, he fumbled, setting up a Georgia Southern field goal.
“This is kind of the first adversity that he’s had here,” said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. “He was disappointed about , but he’s typically very responsible with the ball. I didn’t have a problem showing confidence in him to come back. Our guys on the sideline kept his spirits up, and he responded. He’s played a lot of football, and it didn’t faze him.”
A Familiar Face Returns
The game marked the return of former USC head coach Clay Helton, now leading the Georgia Southern Eagles. Helton, who coached the Trojans for parts of eight seasons and finished with a 46-24 record, received warm greetings pregame. But after that, it was all business.
By halftime, USC had built a 31-13 lead and never looked back.
Maiava Shines at QB
Sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava continues to prove why USC is moving upward. He was efficient and aggressive, completing 16 of 24 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns.
The 412 yards were the most for a Trojan since Caleb Williams’ 462 in the 2023 Cotton Bowl against Tulane. Maiava’s four TDs also tied his career high, set last season against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Big Plays All Around
Jordan rattled off five runs of 10 yards or more, while Makai Lemon delivered back-to-back fireworks. Lemon caught two touchdown passes in a four-minute span—one from 62 yards out, then a 74-yarder, the longest reception of his career.
“I just wanted to capitalize off every opportunity I got today,” Lemon said.
Since Riley’s arrival in 2022, USC has yet to lose in the opening two weeks of a season.
“We were making some big plays on all sides,” Riley said.
The Trenches and Defense Deliver
Riley credited his offensive line and tight ends for setting the tone.
“Zach Hanson (assistant head coach for offense/offensive line coach) has done a great job,” Riley said. “Our O-line is very prepared right now, and our tight ends showed great blocking down the field. Our running backs are making plays in space. Going against our D-line all spring and camp sharpened us—iron sharpening iron.”
On defense, Eric Gentry led USC with 10 tackles and a sack. Bishop Fitzgerald added six tackles, while Decarlos Nicholson contributed a sack and an interception—USC’s third pick and fourth takeaway through two games.
Georgia Southern’s Effort
Eagles quarterback JC French completed 19 of 35 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jamarian Samuel added 58 yards on four carries. Cam Brown led receivers with three catches for 75 yards.
Georgia Southern rolled up 377 yards but stalled deep in Trojan territory three times.
Looking Ahead
The Trojans travel to Purdue this weekend for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff on CBS.
Trojan Notes
Before the game, USC honored former Trojan and Hall of Fame basketball coach George Raveling, who passed away this week. Raveling coached USC from 1986 to 1994, leading the Trojans to back-to-back NCAA tournaments in 1991 and 1992 with star guard Harold “Baby Jordan” Miner. He was named National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year in 1992.