USC Finally Has the Defense Lincoln Riley Needs to Chase a Playoff

The USC Trojans rolled through the Fresno State Bulldogs, 39-0, in a statement win that asserts them as a playoff contender.

USC looked like a complete team throughout the four quarters, with the defense closing it out and the offense rolling for most of it.

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If the offense was the weaker side coming out of a game, then USC is in great shape.

A dominant defense

New defensive coordinator Gary Patterson orchestrated a defense that allowed just 116 yards during the game, only 49 through three quarters, with two safeties and two turnovers to boot.

Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

.Even in the Trojans’ debut against San Jose State, USC managed to win and looked great until the fourth quarter, when the defense put its foot off the gas.

They avoided that fate and put together four great quarters of defensive effort, leaving head coach Lincoln Riley quite happy after the game.

“Pretty complete game from the team,” coach Lincoln Riley said. “Very excited about how we finished it off.”

“We did some great things. (Patterson) makes things challenging on the other side, and I think what you saw was our belief in it was even higher than (last week).”

Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) celebrates after a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Offensive standouts

Offensively, Jayden Maiava went 23 of 25 for 349 yards, while the freshmen really impressed. Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt both had more than 100 receiving yards apiece, with Mosley once again impressing and driving home a big touchdown run.

Waymond Jordan and King Miller look like a dynamic one-two punch, as everyone expected, and there is nothing stopping this offense from delivering a top-20 season in terms of points in the Big Ten.

Next up, USC hosts Louisiana, a game that will continue a soft start for the Trojans. Then, they face Rutgers, who suffered one of the most brutal losses in program history.

The first real test comes in two weeks against Oregon at home, and until then, conclusions will be limited. Still, it is hard to deny how great the offense and defense look, and the hype will reach a fever pitch soon.

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