USC tops Missouri State in season opener

LOS ANGELES — USC opened its 2025 season with a statement, routing Missouri State 73-13 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday as the Trojans piled up nearly 600 yards and put backups into meaningful game action before halftime. The blowout came in Missouri State's first game as an FBS program.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava, USC's weekly game captain, set the tone in the first half, completing 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns before exiting at halftime. Safety Bishop Fitzgerald returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown to put the game out of reach in the second quarter, and true freshman Husan Longstreet completed all nine of his second-half pass attempts while rushing for two scores. USC scored on 10 of its first 11 drives and finished with roughly 597 total yards, including 233 on the ground.

The Trojans spread the scoring across the roster. Freshman running back Waymond Jordan punched in USC's first touchdown and averaged 8.4 yards per carry in limited action. New Mexico transfer Eli Sanders contributed a 73-yard screen pass touchdown, walk-on King Miller broke off a 75-yard run, and Bryan Jackson also reached the end zone. Tight end Lake McRee...