USC nails the ending during its impressive shutout of Fresno State

Another huge halftime lead.More crazy efficiency from quarterback Jayden Maiava.Further fodder for Trent Mosley’s case as the top freshman receiver in the country.The only significant difference between No.14 USC’s 39-0 blowout of Fresno State on Friday at the Coliseum and its season opener six days earlier?The ending.After the Trojans repeatedly stumbled defensively in the fourth quarter against San Jose State, they held firm early and late against the Bulldogs.Fresno State couldn’t get much of anything going at any point, finishing with a measly 116 yards of offense.

When the Bulldogs threatened in the final minute, facing a fourth-and-goal at the USC eight-yard line, reserve defensive end Jadyn Ramos surged into the backfield for a sack.It was big-time redemption for a group of defensive backups who had been bullied on the same field.This time, they helped the Trojans (2-0) complete their first shutout since a 48-0 victory over Utah State in September 2024.There was also a slightly better show of support to see an oddity — a nonconference game against a Pac-12 opponent now that the Trojans are in the Big Ten.The announced crowd of 53,014 on a cool, comfortable evening was about 2,000 more than the turnout last weekend in the sweltering heat.Fans who showed up Friday were treated to a nearly flawless performance from Maiava.

Showing much sharper touch than he did last week, the veteran quarterback completed 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns without an interception before giving way to backup Jonas Williams late in the third quarter.Through two games, Maiava has completed 48 of 54 passes — an absurd 88.9 percent completion rate.His favorite target might warrant dueling Heisman Trophy campaigns.A week after he topped 100 yards in his collegiate debut, Mosley reached triple figures — before halftime.Curiously, Fresno State (0-1) let Mosley run wide open on one route early in the second quarter and paid dearly.

After catching a pass ins...