The No. 14 USC Trojans defeated the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 49-30 on September 12, 2026, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, closing out their nonconference play with a strong performance.
Why it matters: This victory solidifies USC's momentum as they approach a challenging Big Ten schedule, aiming for a College Football Playoff spot.
USC improves to 3-0, continuing their home winning streak.
The Trojans showcased their offensive depth, with true freshmen making a notable impact.
Louisiana, after a strong start to the season, faced a tough test against a ranked opponent.
Driving the news: The game began at 8 p.m. PT on the Big Ten Network, with both teams looking to maintain their undefeated records. USC entered the match with wins over San Jose State and Fresno State, whereas Louisiana had just won 38-7 against Lamar.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava played through shoulder discomfort but still delivered an impressive performance.
Louisiana’s quarterback Lunch Winfield aimed to build on his previous performance but struggled against USC’s defense.
The game attracted considerable attention, with USC heavily favored at -31.5 in betting lines.
State of play: The Trojans dominated the game, highlighted by several standout performances from their offense.
Maiava threw five touchdown passes, including two to freshman tight end Mark Bowman, who had six receptions for 83 yards.
Receiver Trent Mosley scored on an 86-yard punt return and caught a touchdown pass, contributing significantly to the scoreline.
USC led throughout the game, with scores like 49-30 and 42-23 in the fourth quarter.
The big picture: This victory is part of USC's broader strategy to establish themselves as a playoff contender.
USC aims to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, making every game count.
The Trojans have shown offensive prowess, averaging over 40 points per game this season.
Next up for USC are games against Rutgers and Oregon, both of which will be tests of their readiness for conference play.
What they're saying: Coaches and players expressed satisfaction with the team's performance but acknowledged areas needing improvement.
“We’ll have plenty to clean up before making the cross-country trip to Rutgers,” said a USC coach.
Maiava, who has thrown for 635 yards and five touchdowns this season, emphasized his pride in leading the team.
“Being the quarterback at USC, I take pride in it,” Maiava said.
By the numbers: Key statistics from the game highlight USC's offensive strength.
USC amassed 494 total yards, with Maiava completing 19 of 29 passes.
Louisiana managed 243 rushing yards in their opener but struggled against USC’s defense.
USC scored 49 points, marking one of their highest outputs this season.
Between the lines: The game revealed both strengths and weaknesses for each team.
USC's young talent proved effective, but the team must refine its execution as they face tougher opponents.
Louisiana showed promise but will need to adjust their strategy to compete against ranked teams.
Injuries, like Maiava's shoulder issue, could impact USC's performance moving forward.
What's next: Looking ahead, USC has a challenging schedule that will test their resolve.
USC travels to face Rutgers next week before hosting No. 6 Oregon.
Louisiana prepares to host UAB at home, hoping to bounce back from the loss.
Both teams will need to focus on improving their performances to meet their season goals.