No. 14 USC secured a decisive 39-0 shutout victory over Fresno State on Friday night at the Coliseum, building on a strong first half and displaying improved defensive performance in the later stages of the game. The Trojans, now 2-0 on the season, held Fresno State to a mere 116 yards of total offense, marking their first shutout since a 48-0 win against Utah State in September 2024.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. His efficiency has been a key factor in the Trojans' early success, with Maiava boasting an 88.9 percent completion rate through two games. Freshman receiver Trent Mosley continued his impressive start to the season, exceeding 100 receiving yards before halftime. Mosley finished with four catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard reception for a score.
Fellow freshman wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also contributed significantly, tallying six catches for 102 yards. USC also saw the return of receiver Tanook Hines, who caught an 8-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive after missing the season opener due to an unspecified injury.
While the offense largely excelled, USC did fumble three times, losing possession twice. However, these miscues did not impact the outcome against a Fresno State team that struggled to move the ball and generate pressure on quarterback Jayden Mandal. The Trojans' defense demonstrated its dominance in a second-quarter sequence that included a tackle for loss, an intentional grounding penalty, and a safety.
Mandal was under constant pressure throughout the game, taking two safeties. The Bulldogs' offensive struggles were highlighted by a crucial defensive stand in the final minute, where USC reserve defensive end Jadyn Ramos recorded a sack on fourth-and-goal at the USC eight-yard line to preserve the shutout.
The announced attendance of 53,014 was slightly higher than the Trojans' season opener, with fans witnessing a nearly complete performance from the USC squad. The Trojans have one more non-conference game against Louisiana before beginning their Big Ten schedule against Oregon on September 26.