- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Fresno State (0-0) at USC (1-0)
- When: Sep 4 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
- Where to watch: FOX
Last Meeting: USC 45-17, September 17th, 2022
Fresno State vs (14) USC Preview & Prediction
Spread: USC -21.5
Moneyline: USC (-2500)
Total: 51.5
USC Trojans rolls into Friday night as a 21.5-point favorite with the total sitting at 51.5. The Trojans opened 2026 with a 42-26 win over San Jose State, although that final score makes the game look far more competitive than it actually was.
USC led 28-0 at halftime and 35-3 after three quarters. Then apparently somebody unplugged the defense.
Jayden Maiava Leads the Trojans
Jayden Maiava looked every bit like a quarterback carrying Heisman buzz, completing 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.
Freshman Trent Mosley immediately introduced himself to college football with seven catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad debut. Most freshmen are still trying to figure out where the cafeteria is.
Fresno State does bring a serious defensive reputation. The Bulldogs allowed just 18.8 points per game last season and surrendered only 153.8 passing yards per contest, second-best nationally behind Ohio State.
Jahzon Jacks returns after leading the nation with four fumble recoveries, while K’vion Thunderbird gives the Bulldogs another proven defensive weapon.
Fresno State Faces a Major Test
Fresno State makes its season debut with Jayden Mandal starting at quarterback. Mandal attempted only nine passes in 2024 and missed all of 2025 with arm and shoulder injuries.
That is not exactly the warm-up assignment you request before visiting USC.
Coach Matt Entz led Fresno State to a 9-4 record last season, but containing USC’s offense for four quarters is a different animal.
LVSB Predictions
USC should control this game early, but Fresno State’s defense is good enough to keep the number from becoming completely ridiculous.
Score Prediction: USC 35, Fresno State 17
Spread Pick: Fresno State +21.5
Total Pick: Over 51.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
