I don’t think Fresno State actually believed they were going to go to Los Angeles and beat the Trojans on Friday night. But they certainly played like they didn’t think they belonged.
In an abysmal showing to begin the season for the Bulldogs, they fell 39-0 in week 1 at USC in Head Coach Matt Entz’ homecoming. The Trojans 2024 linebackers coach spoke candidly after the game about his and the team’s struggles.
“I’m frustrated. I think we’re better than what we put on the field in that, Entz said. “I’m frustrated at my inability to get them ready. Our players played hard. I know there’s some individuals that played really well, but individuals don’t win games, right? You win games based on the 11 on offense, 11 on defense, and special teams.”
Key players
Jayden Maiava (USC): 23-for-25, 349 yards, 3 TD
Trent Mosley (USC): 4 receptions, 104 yards, 2 TD
Kennedy Urlacher (USC): 3 tackles, 2 sacks, safety
K’Vion Thunderbird (FS): 9 tackles, 2 TFL, FF
Jahzon Jacks (FS): 7 tackles, 1.5 TFL
What happened
Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava completed a pair of third downs on the first drive, including a pass to Tron Baker who misled his way through the Bulldog defense for 27 yards. Fresno State then forced a fourth and five opportunity, only for Maiava to find Kayden Dixon-Wyatt open on the right side of the field for another 31 yards. Three plays later, the senior signal caller found Tanook Hines wide open for an easy six points to give USC an early lead 5-and-a-half minutes into the game.
Jayden Mandal and Fresno State converted a pair of first downs on its first drive, including a nice catch by Jahlil McClain. On third and three on the Trojans 46-yard line, Mandal stepped back and overthrew Josiah Freeman streaking down the field directly into the arms of USC safety Prophet Brown for an interception.
Entz was conflicted after the game when asked about Mandal’s performance, who completed 7-for-15 on completions, and was sacked twice in the end zone.
“Ups & downs,” Entz said. “I saw some really good throws. I saw us make some adjustments and change some plays at different times that I thought were really good, and then there were some things that you kind of were left wondering why did we do that? We hadn’t done that all week.”
Dylan Hampsten forced a fumble, picked up by linebacker Tytus Khajavi to give the Bulldogs the ball back on their own 43-yard line. They weren’t able to do anything with it however. USC got the ball a minute into the second quarter and on the third play of the drive, Maiava found freshman phenom Trent Mosley open over middle of the field with only one man to beat. Moseley crossed up Fresno State safety Ethan Tierney before running into the end zone for a 68-yard score and a 14-0 lead.
It was a hard-to-watch first half for the Bulldogs, especially offensively. Fresno State was held scoreless and managed just 51 total yards. Mandal also turned the ball over twice. To make matters worse, they lost three starters to injury: right guard Jonah Leaupepetele, defensive tackle Deijon Laffitte (returned later) and safety Ryan Wilson.
The defense wasn’t much better, allowing Maiava and the Trojans offense 357 total yards leading to them scoring touchdowns on four of its five possessions, giving them a 30-0 lead at halftime.
“Really good football team on the other sideline tonight. Coach Riley’s done a tremendous job putting together a really competitive roster,” Entz said. You see why {Maiava} is a Heisman candidate, tremendously talented, has great understanding, great awareness of what’s going on.”
The Bulldogs fought back in the second half, defensively that is. K’vion Thunderbird forced a fumble and recorded a pair of tackles behind the line. The high-flying USC offense scored just one touchdown in the second half.
Offensively, Fresno State somehow got worse. Mandal looked outmatched all night and was running for his life with not much help from his offensive line. The run game was nonexistent.
If there was a positive to say about the Fresno State offense tonight, it would be that this was only one of at least 12 games they will play this season and it’s hard to imagine they could play worse.
What’s next
The Bulldogs return to Valley Children’s Stadium and back to their routine Saturday gamedays when they host Sacramento State on September 12. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
“I know we’re a better football team than this, and this is unacceptable. We’re gonna get back to work and the minute we get over the grapevine, we’re thinking about going one and zero next week,” Entz said.
Hornets starting quarterback and former Bulldog Carson Conklin (wrist) is doubtful to play.
Recap written by Al Scott, photo by Ryan Sepulveda.