By Tim Peterson
(Los Angeles) – There is always a fear in sports that after a big emotional win comes a letdown. Well USC got its big win last week over LSU but there was not even a hint of a letdown this week. The Trojans made a statement as they jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead and never let their foot off the gas in a 48-0 rout of Utah State in front of 68,110 satisfied fans at the LA Memorial Coliseum Saturday night.
While the USC offense was humming, the defense, which had its issues last year, came up big all night shutting out Utah State in the process.
The Trojans scored early and often and never let the Aggies up.
USC marched down to the Utah State six-yard line on the opening possession where the drive stalled. Michael Lantz kicked a 23-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
After forcing a Utah State punt Miller Moss led the Trojans down the field as they drove 88 yards on 8 plays highlighted by a 32-yard run by Quinten Joyner down to the Aggies nine-yard line. On the next play Joyner scored on a nine-yard run to make it 10-0 with 4:23 left in the first quarter.
On the next series USC put together an 11-play, 77-yard drive. Woody Marks capped it with a four-yard touchdown run to put the Trojans up 17-0 early in the second quarter.
On the next possession Utah State went for it in fourth down at Its own 44. Spencer Petras’ pass fell incomplete and USC took over.
On the next play Miller Moss found Lake McRee who rumbled down to the Utah State 11-yard line but the ball was knocked loose and the Aggies recovered.
Later in the quarter a USC march stalled inside the 10-yard line but Lantz booted a 24-yard field goal with 1:41 left.
It appeared the Trojans would take that lead into halftime however on the next possession Easton Mascarenas-Arnold picked off a pass to set up the Trojans at the Aggie 40-yard line.
USC cashed in eight plays later when Moss hit Makai Lemon in the flat. Lemon made a quick move, eluded a defender and scored from six yards out with four seconds left in the half.
USC took a 27-0 lead into the break.
Marks had 13 carries for 103 yards rushing and a touchdown at halftime. Moss was 18 of 26 for 205 yards and a score.
In the third quarter USC pieced together an 11-play, 56-yard drive after stopping Utah State on fourth down. Joyner picked up the six with a two-yard blast to increase the lead to 34-0 with 5:31 left in the third quarter.
USC moved the ball 59 yards on nine plays on the next possession. Jayden Maiava, who replaced Moss at quarterback, kept it himself and scampered seven yards for the touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
A’Marion Peterson crossed the goal line on a nine-yard run with 6:32 left to add a little frosting to the victory cake. USC increased the lead to 48-0.
The Aggies had one last gasp but a 52-yard field goal missed left with less than two minutes left and the Trojans secured the shutout.
Moss had an efficient night completing 21 of 30 for 229 yards and two touchdowns. McRee had four catches for 81 yards and Marks three for 39. Marks ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and Joyner rushed 10 times for 84 yards and two scores.
For Utah State Bryson Barnes was 18 of 27 for 103 yards and an interception. Rashul Faison had nine carries for 54 yards. USC held the Aggies to 190 yards of total offense.
The Trojans improved to 2-0 on the season and will have a bye next week. Utah State fell to 1-1
Of course Trojan fans are happy with the win, and seeing the team not go easy on a perceived lightweight foe. The real reason for excitement, however, is the shutout. That’s the new defense working. Offense is the sizzle, but defense is the steak and Troy is now able to set a nice table.