USC fans were present in large numbers for the Trojans' home game against Louisiana-Lafayette, a stark contrast to a sparsely attended season opener against San Jose State. However, the increased attendance did not prevent a physical altercation from occurring within the stands during the game, which USC won 49-3.
The fight reportedly began when one fan confronted another for speaking to his girlfriend. The altercation escalated, with multiple individuals engaging in punches before being separated. One witness speculated that alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the incident.
Earlier in the season, USC head coach Lincoln Riley dismissed concerns about low attendance at the San Jose State game, calling it a "false narrative." He stated that attendance had increased annually during his tenure and predicted strong fan support for the current season. The crowd at the Louisiana-Lafayette game appeared to support Riley's assertion, with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum filled with spectators.