From California Post · · 2m
USC is still waiting for a real test
The Trojans are 2-0, atop the Big Ten, and 30.5-point favorites over Louisiana, so the tune-up continues.
In brief
The Trojans are 2-0, atop the Big Ten, and 30.5-point favorites over Louisiana, so the tune-up continues. USC's early schedule has hidden what still needs fixing: no explosive runs, and a defense that has not faced a real quarterback yet. Originally reported by California Post.
Two games in, still preseason
USC has handled its first two opponents so easily that the season barely feels started. The only blemish was a fourth-quarter meltdown against San Jose State that changed nothing.
“Wait, you mean these games count?”
Alone atop the Big Ten
The No. 14 Trojans sit first in the conference standings at 2-0, mostly because they have played one more game than everyone else. A 30.5-point spread over Louisiana should keep them there.
Patterson's defense is working
New coordinator Gary Patterson got USC its first shutout since 2024. The Trojans have now held opponents scoreless in the first half of back-to-back games for the first time since 2009.
“He makes things challenging on the other side.”
A real quarterback arrives
Louisiana opened with a 38-7 win over Lamar, splitting 254 rushing yards and 231 passing. Riley called Ragin' Cajuns quarterback Lunch Winfield the most athletic passer USC has seen yet.
“far and away the most athletic quarterback that we've seen up to this point”
The run game has no gears
USC averages 152 rushing yards a game, but nothing breaks loose. Waymond Jordan's longest carry is 16 yards and King Miller's is 10.
“we've missed some opportunities for explosives that we certainly want to have in the run game”
Maiava's best stat is the bench
Jayden Maiava has completed 88.9% of his passes for 635 yards, five touchdowns and no picks, with one sack taken. He has not thrown a fourth-quarter pass all year because the leads are too big.
Reinforcements may debut
Defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart could return from a foot injury. Tight end Tucker Ashcraft, safety Peyton Dyer and receiver Terrell Anderson are all pushing for their first game of the season.
Riley works the crowd
A coach with a standoffish reputation stayed at the Coliseum after the last game to talk with fans, and says he wants it to become a habit.
“it's just continuing to bring people in and continuing to circle the wagons around USC football”
The key point
USC's early schedule has hidden what still needs fixing: no explosive runs, and a defense that has not faced a real quarterback yet.
