{"id":449409,"date":"2026-09-01T01:12:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T01:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/449409\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T01:12:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T01:12:12","slug":"fresno-states-matt-entz-gets-real-on-experience-coaching-for-usc-trojans-lincoln-riley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/449409\/","title":{"rendered":"Fresno State’s Matt Entz Gets Real On Experience Coaching For USC Trojans, Lincoln Riley"},"content":{"rendered":"

The No. 14 USC Trojans, fresh off a 42-26 season-opening win over the San Jose State Spartans<\/a>, will welcome the Fresno State Bulldogs to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for their only Friday night game of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite being a 22.5-point favorite over the Bulldogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a>, Fresno State, set to make its debut in the Trojans’ former conference this season, the Pac-12, could pose a significant threat to Lincoln Riley\u2019s USC squad.<\/p>\n

Some college football prognosticators view the Bulldogs as a potential CFP Group of Five contender entering this season, and they\u2019ll look to prove that on Friday night against the Trojans.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the game 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

The Bulldogs are led by coach Matt Entz, who is entering his second season with Fresno State. Last season, the Bulldogs finished at 9-4 overall and capped off the year with an 18-3 win over the Miami-Ohio Redhawks in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Set to face the Trojans for the first time since 2022, Entz is very familiar with the Trojans football program under Riley, having worked under him as an assistant and linebackers coach in 2024. During Monday\u2019s game week press conference, Entz revealed the tendencies he knows about the Trojans program and how the Bulldogs are preparing for USC.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Matt Entz Said\"USC<\/p>\n

Dec 27, 2025; Tucson, AZ, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz against the Miami (OH) RedHawks during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Knowing USC Trojans Tendencies<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if I would say I know their tendencies. I know probably their personnel a little bit, having been there for two different recruiting classes. I got the utmost respect for Coach Riley and his staff. There\u2019s some new pieces to the offensive staff that weren\u2019t there when I was there,\u201d Entz said during Monday\u2019s press conference.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cDefensively there\u2019s a few guys that were there that I worked with. I have some really good friends on that staff right now. When you talk about being a coach, Riley is one of the top head coaches in college football, top offensive coordinators, developers of quarterbacks; his resume is pretty deep, and I have nothing but great respect. I know we\u2019re going to have to be ready to play all four quarters and from the get-go,\u201d Entz continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Preparing For USC Trojans\"USC<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) prepares to take the snap 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

\u201cWell, I think there\u2019s a reason why Coach Riley is one of the best offensive minds in college football because he\u2019s going to try and get you in pictures that he\u2019s seen before and take advantage of leverage. I think he\u2019s looking at leverage of the nickel at where the three technique is: do you have leverage back to the field when they go FIB? So there are things we\u2019ve got to keep changing it up; we have to be really good at disguising things, trying to not give the same picture all the time. Because the other piece is he puts a lot on the quarterback, and Jayden became the starter when I was there in 2024. I got nothing but a ton of respect and admiration for the type of young man he is, but also the quarterback that he is. He\u2019s one of a kind type of kid,\u201d Entz said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have to be really sharp on defense, and then we’ve got to tackle. They have big backs, physical backs. They\u2019re big on the perimeter with their receiver play, and we’ve got to be able to hold up on some of the isolation plays, and we just got to get our hats to the ball, and we got to tackle well and try to find ways to get them off schedule at different times,\u201d Entz continued.<\/p>\n

What He\u2019s Taken From His Time With USC Trojans<\/p>\n

\u201cI think some of the things probably from roster management, roster development, were some of the things that we utilized. Some of the periods in practice we might have kind of stolen a little bit or borrowed or tried to reshape just to kind of fit who we wanted to be, but like I said, they do a tremendous job. You can tell they\u2019re well coached right now, both sides of the football. I\u2019ve met Coach Patterson a couple times in brief. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s brought a lot of energy and excitement, intensity, to that side of the football, and it looks like they\u2019re playing at a high level,\u201d Entz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fresno State Bulldogs Debut New Starting Quarterback\"USC<\/p>\n

Dec 27, 2025; Tucson, AZ, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz is doused with gatorade after defeating the Miami (OH) RedHawks during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

As the San Jose State Spartans did with Luke Weaver, the Bulldogs will also be debuting a new starting quarterback in Friday night\u2019s matchup against the Trojans. The Bulldogs will start Jayden Mandal on Friday<\/a> against the Trojans following a fierce competition during fall camp with Khristian Martin.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A native of nearby Clovis, California, Mandal has thrown for 39 yards and two interceptions in his collegiate career with the Bulldogs. We\u2019ll see how he does in his starting debut on Friday night against the Trojans.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The kickoff at the Coliseum between the Trojans and Bulldogs is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT on Friday, with the game broadcast on FOX. The Trojans are 4-1 all-time against the Bulldogs and look to secure their fifth win in the series. <\/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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