University Southern California Trojans
2019 Game 1: USC vs. Fresno State
August 30, 2019 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
Clay Helton picked up his first career head coaching victory in the 2013 Vegas Bowl over Fresno State.
Fresno State Bulldogs (0-0) at USC Trojans (0-0)
United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, August 31, at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Bulldog to Watch: Senior QB Jorge Reyna
Fresno State football has enjoyed a renaissance the last two seasons under head coach Jeff Tedford. After inheriting a 1-11 team, Tedford has a record of 22-6 at his alma mater, and the renowned quarterback whisperer turned Oregon State transfer Marcus McMaryion into an elite passer (25 TDs to 5 INTs in 2018). But, McMaryion is gone, and Reyna is the man behind center now. The senior has experience in the system, but he has only thrown 12 career passes after arriving from West Los Angeles College. He is a dual threat, so the Bulldogs may lean on his legs as much as his arm.
Click here for more on the Bulldogs.
3 Keys
Fresh Start, Fast Start
USC's long winter of discontent is finally over, and the Trojans get to play football again for the first time since November 24, 2018. Energy will be high in the locker room and the stands, giving USC the opportunity to seize the early momentum. The Trojans were forced to grind through sluggish openers the last two years, but Fresno State is too good to be treated like a tuneup. The Bulldogs were arguably the best team in California last season, and they would like nothing more than to spring an upset in the Coliseum, like the one they almost pulled off in 2005. This is a great opportunity for the Trojans to show how they've grown and improved since last we saw them.
Sound the Siren
The Air Raid has come to USC. Everyone is anxious to see what Graham Harrell's offense looks like on the field, and the players are undoubtedly excited to show it off. All the pieces are in place. The receiving corps is as deep and talented as any in the nation. The running backs provide the necessary versatility. By all accounts, the offensive line has gelled together. And, QB JT Daniels is at his best when the ball is coming out quickly and accurately. The offense broke camp with a ton of confidence, so putting up a big number against a good Fresno State defense could be the springboard to becoming an elite unit this season.
First Line of Defense
USC is extremely talented in the defensive backfield with highly-touted recruits at every position, but also exceptionally young as no one on the depth chart has more than five career starts to his name. The front seven is a different story. Defensive mainstays like DE Christian Rector, DT Jay Tufele and LB John Houston can lead the way by stopping the run and harassing the new quarterback to take pressure off the Trojans secondary. Fresno State lost its top two receivers and its quarterback, so the Bulldogs will want to establish the power game and work the tight end. The line of scrimmage will tell the tale when Fresno has the ball.
United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, August 31, at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Bulldog to Watch: Senior QB Jorge Reyna
Fresno State football has enjoyed a renaissance the last two seasons under head coach Jeff Tedford. After inheriting a 1-11 team, Tedford has a record of 22-6 at his alma mater, and the renowned quarterback whisperer turned Oregon State transfer Marcus McMaryion into an elite passer (25 TDs to 5 INTs in 2018). But, McMaryion is gone, and Reyna is the man behind center now. The senior has experience in the system, but he has only thrown 12 career passes after arriving from West Los Angeles College. He is a dual threat, so the Bulldogs may lean on his legs as much as his arm.Click here for more on the Bulldogs.
3 Keys
Fresh Start, Fast Start
USC's long winter of discontent is finally over, and the Trojans get to play football again for the first time since November 24, 2018. Energy will be high in the locker room and the stands, giving USC the opportunity to seize the early momentum. The Trojans were forced to grind through sluggish openers the last two years, but Fresno State is too good to be treated like a tuneup. The Bulldogs were arguably the best team in California last season, and they would like nothing more than to spring an upset in the Coliseum, like the one they almost pulled off in 2005. This is a great opportunity for the Trojans to show how they've grown and improved since last we saw them.
Sound the Siren
The Air Raid has come to USC. Everyone is anxious to see what Graham Harrell's offense looks like on the field, and the players are undoubtedly excited to show it off. All the pieces are in place. The receiving corps is as deep and talented as any in the nation. The running backs provide the necessary versatility. By all accounts, the offensive line has gelled together. And, QB JT Daniels is at his best when the ball is coming out quickly and accurately. The offense broke camp with a ton of confidence, so putting up a big number against a good Fresno State defense could be the springboard to becoming an elite unit this season.
First Line of Defense
USC is extremely talented in the defensive backfield with highly-touted recruits at every position, but also exceptionally young as no one on the depth chart has more than five career starts to his name. The front seven is a different story. Defensive mainstays like DE Christian Rector, DT Jay Tufele and LB John Houston can lead the way by stopping the run and harassing the new quarterback to take pressure off the Trojans secondary. Fresno State lost its top two receivers and its quarterback, so the Bulldogs will want to establish the power game and work the tight end. The line of scrimmage will tell the tale when Fresno has the ball.
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
