The USC Trojans came storming out of the gate with a 52-13 win over the Fresno State Bulldogs, led by quarterback Cody Kessler’s four touchdown passes.
No. 15 USC made their new head coach Steve Sarkisian proud by manhandling Fresno State, 52-13, in their season opener at home.
Quarterback Cody Kessler ran for a one-yard touchdown to give the Trojans their first score of the game before passing for two more in the first quarter.
After the Trojans took a 24-0 lead in the second quarter, the Bulldogs responded with a touchdown run by running back Marteze Waller. However, Kessler continued his momentum with his third touchdown pass to give the Trojans a 31-7 lead at halftime.
Waller scored another touchdown in the third quarter, but the Trojans sealed the win with three touchdowns of their own. Javorius Allen and Soma Vainuku each rushed for a touchdown while Kessler threw another touchdown pass.
Kessler built on his Las Vegas Bowl performance with 394 yards and four touchdown passes on 25-of-37 passing, and Allen led the Trojans in rushing with 133 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
True freshman wide receiver JuJu Smith led the Trojans in receiving with 123 yards on four receptions, and Nelson Agholor added 57 yards and two touchdown catches on five catches. The defense also came through with four interceptions.
Waller led the Bulldogs in rushing with 97 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, but quarterbacks Brian Burrell and Brandon Connette both struggled greatly. Connette threw three interceptions while Burrell added one, and the Trojans only allowed 160 total passing yards.
COMMENTS