Overview
- USC beat San José State 42-26, building a 35-3 lead before San José State rallied late and tightened the final margin.
- Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards with two passing touchdowns and added a rushing score, finishing an efficient day that ended after three quarters.
- True freshman Trent Mosley had a breakout debut with seven catches for 118 yards, a touchdown and a big punt return while several other freshmen contributed on both sides of the ball.
- When backups played in the fourth quarter the Trojans allowed 23 points and San José State quarterback Luke Weaver threw two late TDs and ran for a score, prompting Lincoln Riley to criticize the team’s finish.
- The game, played Saturday at the Coliseum, drew an announced 51,144 fans but showed many empty sections in high heat and heavy ticket discounts, and USC now faces a short turnaround to host Fresno State on Sept. 4.