Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back A’Marion Peterson #22 of the USC Trojans dives past defensive end Enoka Migao #45 of the Utah State Aggies for the touchdown in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans runs for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans runs for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans reacts after running for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans runs for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans runs for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans runs for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Linebacker Eric Gentry #18 of the USC Trojans against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans looks on against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Miller Moss #7 of the USC Trojans smiles in the second half of a NCAA football game against the Utah State Aggies at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
USC Trojans students with “MillerTime” painted on their chests in the first half of a NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the Utah State Aggies at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans catches a pass as cornerback D.J. Graham II #4 of the Utah State Aggies strips the ball as teammate linebacker Clyde Washington (not pictured) of the Utah State Aggies recovers the fumble in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans catches a pass as cornerback D.J. Graham II #4 of the Utah State Aggies strips the ball as teammate linebacker Clyde Washington (not pictured) of the Utah State Aggies recovers the fumble in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans looks on against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans catches a pass as cornerback D.J. Graham II #4 of the Utah State Aggies strips the ball as teammate linebacker Clyde Washington (not pictured) of the Utah State Aggies recovers the fumble in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Zachariah Branch #1 of the USC Trojans catches a pass and is tacked by cornerback Avante Dickerson #17 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Zachariah Branch #1 of the USC Trojans catches a pass and is tacked by cornerback Avante Dickerson #17 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Defensive end Anthony Lucas #6 of the USC Trojans pressures quarterback Bryson Barnes #16 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Miller Moss #7 of the USC Trojans passes against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Jay Fair #9 of the USC Trojans catches a pass and runs for a yardage against safety Chase Davis #19 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Jay Fair #9 of the USC Trojans catches a pass and runs for a yardage against safety Chase Davis #19 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Makai Lemon #6 of the USC Trojans can’t hold onto a pass in the end zone against safety Ike Larsen #6 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Woody Marks #4 of the USC Trojans leaps for the first down against safety Jordan Vincent #24 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Zachariah Branch #1 of the USC Trojans catches a pass and runs fro a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Makai Lemon #6 of the USC Trojans leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against safety Jordan Vincent #24 of the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans runs for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane #8 of the USC Trojans drops a pass in the end zone against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Place kicker Michael Lantz #96 of the USC Trojans kicks a field goal against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner #0 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against he Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Woody Marks #4 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans catches a pass fro a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Quinten Joyner of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Woody Marks #4 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Woody Marks #4 of the USC Trojans runs for a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Miller Moss #7 of the USC Trojans prepares to pass against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Miller Moss #7 of the USC Trojans celebrates with teammate wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane #8 of the USC Trojans after a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Lake McRee #87 of the USC Trojans catches a pass fro a first down against the Utah State Aggies in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
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Quarterback Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES – One defender screamed toward his legs, and another barnacled to his shoulders, a first-quarter run from redshirt-freshman Quinten Joyner seemed destined to end in short-yardage mediocrity.
But this was a quiet kid whose legs have thumped loud behind the scenes at USC, a threat to pop at any given moment if only given the rhythm. And as Utah State’s Jordan Vincent squirmed at his feet and Blaine Spires grabbed a handful of jersey, Joyner’s tree trunks somehow continued churning, twisting his upper body as time froze.
Poof.
Away Joyner went, bursting up the right sideline, quarterback Miller Moss suddenly sprinting up behind him and leveling an Aggie to send Joyner down with a 32-yard gain. A play later, and the freshman was in the end zone for USC’s first touchdown of the season at the Coliseum, skipping towards his sideline in glee.
It was the 10th handoff of USC’s first 16 plays in their home opener against the Aggies Saturday night, head coach Lincoln Riley pumping electrolytes into the Trojans’ ground game to clear away any notion of a Vegas hangover, pulverizing and paralyzing a helpless Aggies run defense with pitches and draws in the first half. And defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn handedly took care of the rest, as 13th-ranked USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) blanked unranked Utah State 48-0 in a complete steamroll of a Saturday home opener.
It was the first shutout USC has pitched since a 50-0 win over UCLA in 2011, when Matt Barkley was behind center, the quarterback who – coincidentally – led USC out of the tunnel Saturday. And it served a sliver of revenge for ghosts of 2023 past. In many ways, Utah State transfer quarterback Bryson Barnes represented the downfall from expectations that crushed USC two falls ago, the anointed pig farmer who’d dragged an entire defense through the muck.
He came marching back into the Coliseum Saturday, a year after gashing USC’s defensive line for a 26-yard keeper that sealed a 34-32 Utah win, a loss at the hands of a kid that grew up on a pig farm in Milford, Utah, that all but killed USC’s College Football Playoff hopes.
“For the first time in a while, there are going to be championship expectations here,” Riley said postgame, then. “And those aren’t going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere.”
A year later, those expectations looked soundly renewed, USC (2-0, 0-0 in Big Ten) reloading with a secondary that didn’t cede an inch to Barnes over the top and a front that kept a spy on his every move from the pocket. Lynn pressed the issue all night, dialing up a safety blitz for Kamari Ramsey on a third down on Utah State’s first drive that forced a quick hit from Barnes short of the sticks; in the third quarter, Ramsey shot again off the edge on a fourth down and blew up Barnes for a force-fumble sack.
USC senior Eric Gentry, starting at middle linebacker in place of an injured Mason Cobb, looked for a second straight week like USC’s most impactful playmaker, stuffing the stat sheet with seven tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles-for-loss. And Wyoming transfer Gavin Meyer forced USC’s first turnover of the season, tipping a Barnes pass in the second quarter that floated gently into the waiting arms of linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold.
Their legs stayed fresh, in large part, due to a methodical ground and play-action attack dialed up by Riley. Veteran Mississippi State transfer Woody Marks rang the bell in a 103-yard first-half performance, Joyner added 84 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Miller Moss played largely clean in finishing 21-of-30 for 229 yards and a touchdown.
Tight end Lake McRee continued to impress in the season’s early going, leading USC with 81 receiving yards. Backup quarterback Jayden Maiava shone in garbage-time snaps, finishing 8-of-11 for 66 yards with a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown.
Utah State (1-1) managed only 190 total yards to USC’s 544.
