USC kicks off fourth season under Lincoln Riley hosting FBS newcomer Missouri State
Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley, right, congratulates quarterback Jayden Maiava after Maiava ran the ball in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Nov. 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
Missouri State vs. Southern California, Saturday, 7:30 EDT.
BetMGM College Football Odds: USC by 35.
How to watch: BTN
Key stats
Missouri State (2024)
Overall offense: 424.8 yards per game (17th in FCS)
Passing: 306.2 yards per game (5th)
Rushing: 118.6 yards per game (97th)
Scoring: 34.8 points per game (13th)
Overall defense: 391.7 yards allowed per game (83rd in FCS)
Passing: 213.8 yards allowed per game (58th)
Rushing: 177.9 yards allowed per game (95th)
Scoring: 30.2 points allowed per game (87th)
USC (2024)
Overall offense: 437.2 yards per game (23rd in FBS)
Passing: 291.9 yards per game (10th)
Rushing: 145.3 yards per game (82nd)
Scoring: 30.2 points per game (51st)
Overall defense: 377.1 yards allowed per game (77th in FBS)
Passing: 235.8 yards allowed per game (98th)
Rushing: 141.2 yards allowed per game (53th)
Scoring: 24.1 points allowed per game (56th)
Team leaders
Missouri State (2024)
Passing: Jacob Clark, 3,604 yards, 26 TDs, 6 INTs, 69.7 completion percentage
Rushing: Shomari Lawrence, 177 yards on 47 carries, 1 TD (at FIU)
Receiving: Jmariyae Robinson, 585 yards on 38 catches, 4 TDs
USC (2024)
Passing: Jayden Maiava, 1,201 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs, 59.8 completion percentage
Rushing: Eli Sanders, 1,063 yards on 147 carries, 9 TDs (at New Mexico)
Receiving: Ja’Kobi Lane, 398 yards on 36 catches, 9 TDs
Last game
Missouri State lost 45-9 to South Dakota State to end its last season before moving up to the FBS with an 8-4 record.
USC managed a winning season, 7-6, with a dramatic last second 35-31 victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Next game
Missouri State plays at Marshall on Sept. 6. USC hosts Georgia Southern on Sept. 6.
