No. 14 Southern Cal Defeats San Jose State 42-26 in Opening Game

No. 14 Southern Cal dominated San José State 42-26 in its season opener at the Coliseum. The Trojans controlled the game with an aggressive ground attack, recording 25 first-half rushing attempts — the most in an opening half under head coach Lincoln Riley.
USC's ground game overwhelmed San José State from the start. Head coach Lincoln Riley leaned heavily on the running game in the first half, with 25 rushing attempts — a season-opening record under his tenure. The Trojans established dominance through the air and on the ground to build a commanding lead.
USC's 42-26 final score reflects a one-sided matchup at home. The Trojans' offense executed the game plan efficiently, allowing them to control pace and field position throughout the contest. This convincing win launches Southern Cal's season with momentum heading into next weekend's matchup.
The 25 first-half rushing attempts underscore Lincoln Riley's approach to season openers — establish the run early and build confidence. This attack-first mentality kept San José State's defense on its heels. The strategy worked perfectly, as USC's offense clicked efficiently from the opening kickoff.
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