{"id":448335,"date":"2026-08-30T21:33:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T21:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/448335\/"},"modified":"2026-08-30T21:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T21:33:15","slug":"usc-trojans-vs-san-jose-state-spartans-provides-late-magic-for-bettors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/448335\/","title":{"rendered":"USC Trojans vs. San Jos\u00e9 State Spartans Provides Late Magic for Bettors"},"content":{"rendered":"

While many fans who rep the cardinal and gold were upset about the 23 points allowed in the fourth quarter of the No. 14 USC Trojans’ 42-26 win over the San Jos\u00e9 State Spartans on Saturday, it did, however, satisfy the sports bettors who took the over.<\/p>\n

Entering Saturday\u2019s matchup between the Trojans and the Spartans at the Los Angeles Coliseum, the DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a> over\/under was 61.5 points. Spartans quarterback Luke Weaver\u2019s seven-yard touchdown run with 1:45 remaining resulted in the over of 61.5 points hitting. Weaver\u2019s seven-yard touchdown run capped off an impressive debut for the former Hawaii Rainbow Warriors quarterback. Weaver threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-32 passing.<\/p>\n

\"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the San Jose State Spartans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

In Saturday\u2019s matchup between the Trojans and Spartans, 68 total points were scored. San Jos\u00e9 State outscored USC 23-7 in the fourth quarter after the Trojans removed their defensive starters. Despite this, many Trojan fans and even players weren\u2019t thrilled about how they finished against the Spartans, especially in their debut with new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ken Niumataolo Offers High Praise For Gary Patterson, USC Trojans \"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans head coach Ken Niumatalolo watches against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

However, raising alarm bells after one poor finish for the Trojans is a bit premature. Even after the game, Spartans coach Ken Niumatalolo credited Patterson<\/a> and their potential in the Big Ten this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cGary is one of the best defensive minds in college football. I\u2019m good friends with him. We worked together in 1995 at the Naval Academy, so I\u2019m very familiar with Gary and was on the AFCA board with him for over a decade, so I know Gary Patterson very well,” Niumatalolo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSmart hire by Lincoln to hire, and they\u2019re going to get people in trouble in the Big Ten, and that\u2019s their very first game. I imagine they\u2019re only going to get better with Gary leading their defense, but Gary is a phenomenal football coach. He\u2019s a phenomenal culture builder and a credit to Lincoln. They have the humility as a head coach and the foresight to hire a Hall-of-Famer. A lot of coaches wouldn\u2019t do that, but to his credit, Lincoln hired a guy that\u2019s one of the best defensive minds of all-time,\u201d Niumatalolo continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If anything, the Trojans’ defensive struggles serve as a lesson for USC as they continue a 2026 season hoping to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.<\/p>\n

USC Trojans Top Performers in Win vs. San Jos\u00e9 State Spartans\"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the San Jose State Spartans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Entering a season with high expectations as one of the top quarterbacks in college football and a potential Heisman Trophy contender<\/a>, Maiava got off to a strong start in the season opener against the Spartans, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns on an efficient 22-of-26 passing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Throughout the offseason, Maiava has been working to improve as a leader, and Saturday\u2019s opener provided the Trojans’ star to showcase those improved leadership skills for the very first time. Maiava showed his leadership both on the field and on the sidelines, keeping USC players engaged throughout the game.<\/p>\n

These are skills that Maiava looks to carry with him, especially in the Trojans’ biggest games this season in Big Ten play that will determine their CFP destiny. In addition to Maiava\u2019s performance, the Trojans’ freshman showed out in USC\u2019s win over the Spartans.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) carries the ball against the San Jose State Spartans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Four Trojan freshmen found the end zone, including wide receivers Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Trent Mosley, along with running backs Riley Wormley and Shahn Alston. Mosley\u2019s debut stood out most for the Trojans as the freshman wide receiver led USC <\/a>in receiving in the win over the Spartans, recording seven receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown. Mosley also showcased his skills on special teams with an impressive punt return.<\/p>\n

When Terrell Anderson and Tanook Hines return from injury, we’ll find out more about how Mosley fits into the Trojans’ offense, but so far he’s off to a strong start. The former four-star wide receiver from nearby Santa Margarita Catholic High School has great potential for the Trojans. <\/p>\n

As the Trojans take on the Fresno State Bulldogs in Week 2 at the Coliseum for their only Friday night game of the season, it\u2019ll be intriguing to see whether Mosley can build off his impressive Trojan debut.\u00a0<\/p>\n

USC Trojans vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Odds \"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley head coach Lincoln Riley Lincoln Riley Riley enters the field before the game against the San Jos\u00e9 State Spartans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

For sports bettors looking to bet on the Trojans again in Week 1, USC is currently a 23.5-point favorite over Fresno State with the over\/under line set at 51.5, per DraftKings Sportsbook. Can the Trojans cover the spread after failing to do so against San Jos\u00e9 State? <\/p>\n

The kickoff on Friday night at the Coliseum between the Trojans and Bulldogs is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT, with the game broadcast on FOX. It\u2019ll be the seventh meeting between the Trojans and Bulldogs, as their last matchup was in 2022 at the Coliseum. The Trojans won that game 45-17.<\/p>\n

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n

Sign up to our free newsletter <\/a>and follow us on Facebook<\/a>, and X<\/a> for the latest news.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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