Los Angeles, CA
USC's young talent made its presence felt Saturday night as the No. 14 Trojans closed out non-conference play with a 49-30 win over Louisiana at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While quarterback Jayden Maiava once again put up big numbers, it was USC's freshman class that stole much of the spotlight, coming through with big plays on offense and special teams to help the Trojans remain unbeaten at 3-0.
The biggest breakout came from freshman tight end Mark Bowman, who gave USC a weapon that Louisiana had trouble slowing down. Bowman hauled in six catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns, with both scores coming in the first half. His first career touchdown came on a five-yard connection with Maiava, and the two would connect again later in the half as Bowman continued to make an impact in his first season in Los Angeles.
Freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley also continued his impressive start to the season. Mosley caught a touchdown pass from Maiava and then gave the Trojans another big play on special teams, taking a punt 86 yards to the end zone. The return was his fourth touchdown of the season at that point, showing just how quickly the freshman has become a difference maker for USC.
Another freshman receiver, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, got in on the action as well. Dixon-Wyatt caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Maiava, giving USC another young playmaker who came through when the Trojans needed a spark. USC's freshman class accounted for several of the team's biggest scoring plays, giving Lincoln Riley plenty to be excited about as the schedule now moves into Big Ten play.
The young offense wasn't the only group making an impact. Freshman defensive tackle Luke Wafle continued his strong start to the season by leading USC with seven tackles. With contributions coming from offense, defense and special teams, the freshmen were involved in nearly every part of the Trojans' win over Louisiana.
Maiava still handled his part of the job, finishing 19-of-29 for 261 yards and five touchdowns. King Miller added 128 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries as USC finished with 494 total yards. Louisiana quarterback Lunch Winfield kept the Ragin' Cajuns in the game for stretches, throwing for 212 yards and adding 91 rushing yards with three total touchdowns, but USC continued to answer every time Louisiana tried to make a push.
The Trojans now move into the part of the schedule where the competition gets much tougher. USC finished its non-conference schedule undefeated, but Big Ten play is waiting with matchups against Rutgers, Oregon, Washington and Ohio State on the horizon. If Saturday night was any indication, the emergence of USC's freshman class could become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Trojans as the season moves forward.
Final Score: USC 49 - Louisiana 30
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pictures Taken By: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
