Utah State gets blown out by USC, 45-7

USC has an 0-1 record for the season after opening the year with a blowout loss to number one ranked Alabama by a 52-6 final score.

“Congratulations to USC and Coach Helton”, said Aggies head coach Matt Wells. “We had it on our minds this morning to come out and execute and play hard early”. There’s no excuse. That could cost you a game. “Obviously you want to win, but the experience moving forward, it was good to have that environment, I guess you’d say”. The rushing attack that gained 428 yards against Weber State last week was smothered by USC’s front, and Aggies quarterback Kent Myers had a pass intercepted by Leon McQuay III right before USC’s third touchdown. The victory gave new coach Jeff Choate his first victory at Montana State (1-1).

Browne finished having completed 23 of 30 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception. The Trojans (1-1, 0-0 Pac-12) tallied 422 yards of total offense and limited the Aggies to 253. They batted down balls and disrupted passing lanes, not allowing a point until the end of the third quarter when Utah State scored its first touchdown. He was taken off the field on a stretcher but gave a thumbs up during his departure as most of the audience in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum gave him a standing ovation and his teammates rushed to his side.

Captains for Saturday’s first road game of the season were cornerback Jalen Davis, defensive end Ian Togiai, left tackle Austin Albrecht and tight end Wyatt Houston. He also had a pass breakup. Quinton Powell recovered it for the Trojans and returned it nine yards to the Aggies’ 6-yard line.

For the second week in a row, a USC Trojans player has been ejected in the first half after failing to keep his composure following a play.

USC running back Ronald Jones II carried only five times in the first half before leaving because of bruised ribs. They got off to a hot start, taking a 21-0 lead into halftime and never looking back.

But USC (1-1) quickly restored order when Michael Pittman Jr. blocked a punt and Max Browne found JuJu Smith-Schuster for a three-yard touchdown three plays later.

Three different Trojans caught touchdown passes on Saturday while four receivers had multiple receptions on the day. USU’s defense has created two turnovers this season and both are INTs.

From an early blocked punt to set the tone, to junior Adoree’ Jackson blazing across the field on a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown, the Trojans discovered what they are capable of when not being stifled by the nation’s top team.