"Five years ago, when USC first scheduled this 2025 season opener, the plan had been to go big, to test itself with a marquee, nonconference opponent that not only bolstered the Trojans' strength of schedule but also captured the attention of college football. So, at the time, USC agreed to a home-and-home meeting with Mississippi, when Lane Kiffin, the Trojans' former coach, would make his much-anticipated return to the Coliseum. That matchup, of course, never came to fruition."
"It was the most points USC had scored in a football game since 1930, when it put up 74 points on California. If the intent was merely to get off to a smooth, harmless start, then USC certainly succeeded in that regard. Quarterback Jayden Maiava was mostly seamless, completing 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns before taking a seat at halftime. The offense averaged 7.6 yards per carry, busted three plays of 60-plus yards and never punted."
USC routed Missouri State 73-13 in the season opener, scoring 42 points in the first half and putting up its most points since 1930. Jayden Maiava completed 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns before exiting at halftime. The offense averaged 7.6 yards per carry, produced three plays longer than 60 yards and never punted. The defense recorded five sacks, limited Missouri State to 224 yards, and returned an interception for a touchdown by safety Bishop Fitzgerald. The game marked Missouri State's first FBS meeting at the Coliseum after a previously scheduled marquee opponent was canceled.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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