USC shuts out Utah State 48-0

WeAreSC is at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the No. 13 USC Trojans (1-0) host the Utah State Aggies (1-0). Follow along as we provide live updates of the big plays and game-changing moments.

WeAreSC reading

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Injury updates

Starting linebacker Mason Cobb is listed as questionable for this game and didn’t take the field for early warmups with the linebackers. He won’t be available for this one.

USC true freshman tight end Walter Matthews, cornerback Isaiah Rubin, linebacker Jadyn Walker, offensive linemen Hayden Treter and Kalolo Ta’aga and defensive tackle Carlon Jones are not dressed for the game.

Pregame

Head coach Lincoln Riley made the decision to announce game captains this season. The Trojans’ Game 2 captains are quarterback Miller Moss, tight end Lake McRee, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and safety Kamari Ramsey. Moss and Mascarenas-Arnold are repeat captains from the opener against LSU. McRee had a standout game in that one as a receiver and blocker. Ramsey was one of the defensive players of the game with a team-high nine tackles, including five solo tackles.

Former USC quarterback Matt Barkley joins the Trojans Live pregame show. He’s going to lead the team out of the tunnel in this one.

Aaron Donald is at the Coliseum❕✌🏼🏟️

📷 @On3USC #FightOn #DAWGWORK🐕 pic.twitter.com/uYimXy8MB9

— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) September 8, 2024

This is a couple of times now Aaron Donald has been around the USC program. The connection is with USC defensive line coach Eric Henderson, who was Donald’s position coach with the Rams.

First Quarter

** Utah State wins the coin toss and elects to defer. USC will receive the opening kick.

** USC’s starting offense: Miller Moss, Woody Marks, Kyron Hudson, Ja’Kobi Lane, Makai Lemon, Lake McRee, Elijah Paige, Emmanuel Pregnon, Jonah Monheim, Alani Noa, Mason Murphy.

** USC uses five runs for 70 yards to move the ball down to the Utah State six-yard line but then two incompletions, including a Ja’Kobi Lane drop, forces a field goal. Michael Lantz hits from 23 yards out and it’s 3-0 USC with 11:13 left in the first quarter.

** USC’s starting defense: Anthony Lucas, Nate Clifton, Gavin Meyer, Jamil Muhammad, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Eric Gentry, Jacobe Covington, John Humphrey, Greedy Vance Jr., Akili Arnold and Kamari Ramsey.

** Quinten Joyner goes into the endzone from nine yards out as the Trojans continue to pound Utah State via the ground game. It’s 10-0 USC with 4:23 left in the first quarter.

Second Quarter

** Woody Marks gets into the endzone in this one as he barrels in for a touchdown from three yards out. It’s 17-0 USC with 13:06 remaining in the second quarter.

** USC stops Utah State on a fourth down but the Trojans give it right back on the first play when Lake McRee makes a long catch and run but gets it knocked out of his hands for a fumble. Utah State will take over at its own 10-yard line with 10:51 left in the first half.

** Lantz hits another field goal and USC stretches its lead to 20-0 with 1:41 remaining before halftime.

** USC defensive tackle Gavin Meyer gets his hand on a ball and tips it into the air for a Mascarenas-Arnold interception. USC will have a chance for more points before halftime.

** Miller Moss finally gets a touchdown pass after USC receivers dropped two easy ones earlier in the game. Makai Lemon catches a quick throw and put a great move on a Utah State defender to get into the endzone. It’s 27-0 USC with four seconds left in the first half.

Third Quarter

** USC gets another four-down stop on Utah State’s opening drive of the second half. Kamari Ramsey knocks the ball away from Bryson Barnes on the fourth down play.

** Trojans starting to sub as Kilian O’Connor comes off the bench at center for Monheim. USC goes right down the field for another rushing touchdown. It’s the second of the night for Joyner. It’s 34-0 USC.

** USC stops another Utah State third down and quarterback Jayden Maiava is set to take his first snaps at USC.

Fourth Quarter

** Jayden Maiava goes full Caleb Williams in the backfield, eluding several Utah State defenders and escaping for a 7-yard touchdown run. It’s 41-0 USC.

** USC getting all kinds of true freshmen into the game late in this one. Offensive tackle Justin Tauanuu, defensive linemen Jide Abasiri and Kamery Fountain, cornerback Marcelles Williams and linebacker Desman Stephens II are all taking their first snaps on offense or defense.

** A’Marion Peterson gets in on the act with a 9-yard touchdown run. That’s USC’s fifth rushing touchdown in this one and it’s 48-0 Trojans.