Allemand’s absolute game aids Sparks snipping Wings, 91-77

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September 7, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Sparks brought an ‘all or nothing’ approach against the Dallas Wings led by unheralded duo of Julie Allemand perfect stat line and Azurá Stevens’ ninth triple double of the season, 13 points and 11 boards, to continue Sparks’ playoff push after a confident booster high scoring victory, 91-77.

The Sparks brought all the smoke in the first half led by Rickea Jackson and Stevens in the first half with, 9 and 11 points, respectively.

Sparks played a good, constant offensive flow funneled from a great defensive downpour to wash away the Wings’ upset attempt and remaining as the worst team of the league according to their record.

“I think defensively, Rae [Burrell] was all over the place…she just brought so much energy and it fueled offense,” Stevens said. “Like coach said, Julie [Allemand] was just all over the place, and really reading when they tried to get it to Paige [Bueckers] where we got some good steals in the beginning.”

Sparks defended Bueckers much better than their last meetup where she had a 40 piece but slowed down this game by forced turnovers and doubled teams which she did not get into the scoring action until the second quarter, making her first two points of the game at the free throw line.

“We put her on their non-shooter because Julie[ Allemand] has such a high IQ and a good knack for the offense that she was trying to do, and you saw that today, like she just got some key steals,” Coach Lynne Roberts said. “She’s just so smart, you know, I think that worked out well, where we tried to limit [Paige] Bueckers as much as we could, and send Julie around as being kind of all help and fly around.”

The Sparks soared to a nine-point lead at the end of the first half, 42-33.

Then the Wings came out and started the second half with some key adjustments to their game plan as shown through their scoring output almost matching the same amount of points scored when combining both quarters in the first half.

Los Angeles held Dallas to nine percent from behind the arc for the first two quarters but let them catch a fire in the third to shoot 42 percent.

“Tonight should be a confidence booster. Other than the start of the third quarter, I thought we did a good job, and Rae [Burrell] played some good minutes, and was so active defensively, coach Roberts said. “[Sarah Ashlee Barker] didn’t hit shots, but she was plus 18, [and] did a tremendous job defensively too.”

Sparks held on to their lead to close the third quarter, 66-64, with only one second left, after Allemand drilled a nail in the coffin triple assisted by Barker.

Sparks as a team refueled and returned to their all or nothing attitude early in the gamey with opening the fourth quarter on a 16-0 run.

“[Six players in double-digit scoring] looks like the box score from a few weeks ago, where we were humming on offense a little bit better,” Coach Roberts said.

Notable backcourt Sparks starters, Jackson and Plum got to rest plus recover most of the fourth period which provided opportunities for not only bench players to reap but a rare offensive performance from Allemand whom carved her name into the league’s record books with an stacked, unblemished stat line becoming first WNBA player to record at least 20 points and five steals in a regular-season game while shooting 100% from the floor.

“I’m just trying to read the game every time. I don’t care about shooting most of the time…I’m trying [to] just to read the game and today I had more [chances] than [usual], Allemand said. “So I took it, and it was in. So, when it’s like this, it’s just amazing because then you keep going and you feel good, you feel confident on the court, and that’s how I felt today… I just care about the win today. That was the most important… When we play as a team, I really enjoy it. That’s really what matters to me.”

Sparks continue their playoff push keeping hope alive as they gear up for a quick turnaround road trip to Phoenix on Tuesday, September 9th, facing the Mercury on their home floor. Then return home to close out the regular season against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, Sept. 11 (7 p.m. PT).

UCLA wakes up to late in Vegas

By

Bobby Guion

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September 6, 2025

Las Vegas, NV- UNLV Rebels drops the first few punches early on UCLA Bruins with a 23-3 lead at half, when clock ticked zeros, the final score was 30-23.

Rebels quarterback Anthony Colandrea passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns which was more than enough to hold off a Bruin rally. This was the Rebels’ first victory over a Big Ten Conference opponent in 22 years.

Colandrea three touchdowns went to Var’Keyes Gumms who caught 3 passes for 40 yards, Troy Omeire who caught 2 pass and Nick Elksnis. He hit 11 different receivers on the day spreading the ball all over the field.

This situation we were in in the first half, we didn’t really help ourselves out. And came out in the second half and finally started to execute, but it still wasn’t enough,” said UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster, “Just didn’t make enough plays. (UNLV) played a good game.”

UCLA did come alive in the 3^rd quarter getting a touchdown and field goal behind strong arm of Nico Ilamaleava who showed promise once his team reached the red zone. He finished the night throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns and additional 59 yards on the ground more then any of his running back alongside him.

The stats look okay for UCLA once team got moving the each had a breakout run the longest being from Jaivian Thomas who broke a 32 yarder of his total 43 yards for the game.

The Rebels defense led by Jake Pope who totaled 11 tackles for his team. They did manage 3 quarterback hurries but was enough to get a sack. So this defense played sound and didn’t do much extraordinary but a bunch of things well.

Coach Foster will have to grab his team and make the effort on the field match what he and his staff is giving the Bruins in practice.

“We’ve got a short week this week, so we’ve got to get in there and get ready to go. We’re going to get it fixed,” said coach Foster.

The UCLA Bruins (0-2) will go back home to face New Mexico on Friday September 12^th at 7pm pst. UNLV Rebels (3-0) will have a bye week to rest and get healthy before traveling to Miami OH on Saturday September 20^th.

USC routs Georgia Southern in former coaches return

By

Eric Ramos

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September 6, 2025

_MG_9385 — Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – Former USC coach Clay Helton returned to Southern California with Georgia Southern in what turned into a dominating 59-20 USC victory on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 412 yards and four touchdowns while Junior College transfer Waymond Jordan rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown.

“Teams that win the explosive play battles typically win games, so it’s good,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “I mean, we’re making some big plays on all sides, which is great. It doesn’t mean it will always be like that, so we’re also looking to play clean and very efficient as well … but we’re certainly not disappointed about the big plays.”

The Trojans finished with 755 total yards. Makai Lemon had touchdown receptions of 62 and 74 yards in the first quarter. Running back Eli Sanders added two touchdowns.

USC’s first drive of the game resulted in a fumble by Jordan. Georgia Southern capitalized on the turnover with a Weston Bryan 32-yard touchdown pass to Camden Brown for a 6-0 lead. Georgia Southern missed the extra point.

USC came right back with a spectacular one-handed touchdown from Ja’Kobe Lane to take a 7-6 lead. On the Trojans ensuing drive Maiava hit Lemon for a 62-yard touchdown.

The Trojans got the ball back and Maiava hit Lemon again for a 74-yard touchdown. Lemon juked multiple defenders en route to his second touchdown of the game and a USC 21-6 lead in the first quarter.

Georgia Southern refused to back down and drove down the field to score on a JC French IV 24-yard touchdown pass to Camden Brown with 3:19 left in the second quarter.

After USC added a field goal, the Trojans got the ball back and scored on a Maiava 14-yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons for a 31-13 lead heading into halftime.

Jordan opened the second half with a 36-yard touchdown run to give the Trojans a 38-13 lead. The USC defense forced a punt and Sanders capped a 4-play, 72-yard drive with a touchdown run from a yard out to give USC a 45-13 lead in the third quarter.

The Eagles came right back when French IV hit Daley Cobb for a 13-yard touchdown with 6:18 left in the third quarter. Sanders scored his second touchdown of the game to give USC a commanding 52-20 lead in the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Third-string running back King Miller got into the game and scored on a 41 yard touchdown run.

Helton led USC to a Rose Bowl win and a Pac-12 title during his tenure as head coach.

I’m very grateful that I got be a Trojan for 12 seasons,” Helton said. “I will always hold this place near and dear to my heart. It’s one of those special places. You get to be a part of it, and you know it’s not going to last forever. You hope it does, but I got to be a part of it.”

Up next for USC is the Big 10 opener versus Purdue on Sept. 13.

Oregon wins the gun fight against Oklahoma St

By

Jennifer Moore

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September 6, 2025

_RT11193 — Photo by Ric Tapia / fi360 News

Eugene, OR – The Oregon Ducks have no problems running away from Oklahoma St Cowboys 69-3 at Autzen Stadium. When everything is working on offense and then the defense jumps aboard.

“I told our team right before the game that, you know, it never requires extra motivation for an opportunity to go out and kick ass, but it never hurts when somebody pours gasoline on the fire. So, I felt like these guys wanted a chance to go prove who they are,” said Oregon coach Dan Lanning.

Dante Moore picked up where he left off last week dropping back to pass on play action then hitting Dakorien Moore for a 65-yard touchdown. Moore finished the game with 266 yards, 3 touchdowns on 16-21 pass.

The Cowboys just didn’t have an answer to stop the Ducks offense. Their quarterback Zane Flores only threw for 67 yard in the game with two costly interceptions that set up points for the Ducks.

“We’re good when we score first. We’ve got a really good record when we score first, and we felt good about our openers.” said Lanning.

EUGENE, OREGON – Coach Lanning during the first half against Oklahoma State Cowboys at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Photo by Ric Tapia / fi360 News)

The Ducks offense racked up 631 total offensive yards. Being balance again 319 passing yards along with 312 rushing yards. This game Moore was able to connect with 11 different receivers getting everyone involved.

On the defensive side Peyton Woodyard had 30-yard interception for a touchdown for a career highlight in the 3^rd quarter. This was the last points scored in the game.

EUGENE, OREGON – Peyton Woodyard on 30 yards interception for a touchdown during the second half against Oklahoma State Cowboys at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Photo by Ric Tapia / fi360 News)

“I think somebody just told me we had 28 guys make tackles in this game, which is huge. The more guys that you can play, the better you’re going to be,” said coach Lanning.

The Ducks will travel to Northwestern to play Big Noon game on Saturday 13^th. The Cowboys will host Tulsa at home Friday night September 19^th after a bye week.

Colorado Dominates Delaware thanks to third-string quarterback Ryan Staub

By

Devon Martinez

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September 6, 2025

Boulder, CU- It takes all three playing well to dominate a game—offense, defense and special teams—and Colorado also utilized their third string quarterback, sophomore Ryan Staub, in a game where all three-quarterback played.

It was a game of threes.

The first drive was helmed by senior Kaidon Salter, who drove down the field from their own thirteen-yard line. The drive featured a 21-yard run by the quarterback and a couple completions for first downs and ended with a 9-yard touchdown run by the quarterback.

Colorado Kaidon Salter (3) scrambles while Dekalon Taylor (20) and Jordan Seaton (77) provide blocking in the first quarter against Delaware at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 6, 2025. Colorado won by a score of 31 to 7. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Salter helmed the next drive, which ended with a field goal. This is Salter’s second start this season for Colorado, the first ending in a loss to Georgia Tech. He previously played for the Liberty Flames and Tennessee Volunteers.

On Colorado’s next drive, they gave the keys to freshman Julian Lewis for the next two drives. However, both ended with punts and the quarterback went 2-4 in completions.

Up to this point, the defense held Delaware on their first four drives—three ending in punts and one ending on downs as they struggled to get past their 50-yard line. Their next drive they drove down the field 80-yards in under 3-minutes and scored with 45-seconds left in the half.

With 75-yards to go and Colorado up 10-7, Staub was named the quarterback. The last time he had played was last year in late November against the Oklahoma State Cowboys where he threw one incomplete pass.

Delaware Nick Minicucci (4) dives for a first down in the third quarter against Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 6, 2025. Colorado won by a score of 31 to 7. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

After two straight incompletions, Staub threw a 31-yard pass complete to senior Joseph Williams. He then ended the drive with a quick slant to senior DeKalon Taylor for a 21-yard touchdown with 9-seconds left in the half.

Colorado’s next drive at the start of the half and only took three plays ending with a Staub passing touchdown to graduate student Sincere Brown in stride for 71-yards.

With two touchdowns in under two-minutes Colorado increased their lead from 10-7 to 24-7.

A blocked punt by Colorado’s freshman Alexander McPherson gave Colorado a short field for their final touchdown score early in the fourth with Staub at the helm, ending in a 10-yard run from Micah Welch.

That was also Staub’s final drive. Overall, he ended with two touchdown passes, 7-10 for completions and 3/4 drives ended in touchdowns.

Colorado Sincere Brown (9) stiff arms Delaware Mysonne Pollard (2) while trying to get around KT Seay (7) in the second quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 6, 2025. Colorado won by a score of 31 to 7. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Colorado’s defense turned the ball over two times in the fourth. The first drive ended with a fumble after two plays, recovered by Colorado’s graduate student Jeremiah Brown. After Colorado failed to turn the turnover into points, RJ Johnson intercepted the pass to give Colorado the ball again.

With Salter at the helm, the team punted again. No team scored for the rest of the game and Colorado won 31-7.

Colorado is now 1-1 as they head to Houston next week.

After a well-played game Staub, the possibilities are open to see who will helm at quarterback next week. Again, next week there may be three quarterbacks playing.

Valkyries Dominate Mystics in Blowout Win, 99-62

By

Trisha Victorio

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September 1, 2025

_TMV6346 — Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News

San Francisco, CA – The Valkyries looked to start off strong with their last homestand of the year, as the Mystics came in with a slim chance of qualifying for any post season basketball, as they were 7 games under the .500 mark.

The Valkyries did not disappoint as they notched a 99-62 victory over Washington. The home team built a double digit lead in the first and never looked back. Player of the game went to star french rookie Janelle Salaun who posted a 20 point, 6 assist and 6 rebound statline. The team collected shots at a 38% rate from behind the arc, however the game was dominated from the inside. The Valkyries shot an incredible 21-27 from inside the arc, and added in another 21 points from the charity stripe. No play represented this win more than a 3rd quarter drive to the rim from star point guard Veronica Burton. She attacked the rim with reckless abandon, drawing a foul while also finishing with a finger roll.

The Mystics’ Sug Sutton was the only player on her team to finish with an efficient shooting night, as she shot 6-10 from the field for 17 points.

It was all smiles after the game for Golden State. “We just executed our gameplan,” said Janelle Salaun. The team was able to move as one cohesive unit after an extended break to regroup.

“It was kind of nice” said Head Coach Natalie Nakase, referring to the extra rest before the final homestand. The Valkyries look to finish their last homestand off strong, and make a push for a playoff spot.

The win not only boosted the Valkyries’ confidence but also tightened their grip on a potential playoff berth. With just a few games remaining, every possession, every run, and every win matters — and if this performance is any indication, the Valkyries are peaking at just the right time.

Sparks spearheaded by Plum’s defense to shutdown Mystics, 81-78

By

Charle' Moore

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August 31, 2025

Los Angeles, Ca- Los Angeles Sparks returned to action at Crypto Arena after a tough loss to Indiana Fever to face the Washington Mystics as the Sparks defense catapulted by Kelsey Plum quickly put the clamps on Mystics team particularly, Rookie All Stars and primary scorers Sonia Citron and KiKi Iriafen while Rickea Jackson led the Sparks’ offense on 8-0 run with back to back triples and a Plum layup en route to a much needed victory,81-78, for chances of taking the final playoff spot. “

“She [Plum]did a really good job on [Kelsey] Mitchell, too,” coach Lynne Roberts said. Kelsey [Plum]’s really smart, and understands the game, and understands what the other team’s trying to do, and so is [Sonia] Citron. I thought [Plum] did just a tremendous job.

While Plum focused early on defense against Citron, Jackson and Azurá Stevens continue to build upon their first quarter run with two perfect trips to the free throw line, giving Sparks a 12-0 advantage.

Steph Dolson entered the game and stopped the bleeding for the Mystics with a triple to get Washington on the scoreboard with less than five minutes left in the first quarter.

“We know how talented [Sonia] Citron is, so our game plan was to make other people take shots and we did that,” Dearica Hamby said. “I would even say going off the last game [against the Indiana Fever], I felt we had a good defensive game. It didn’t turn into victory, but I think we’re just trending in the right direction.”

Sarah Ashlee Barker came off the bench and hit her first shot of the game, a triple to put her team up, 22-9. Then Shakira Austin closed the quarter with two free throws to cut Sparks lead down to 11, 22-11.

Mystics opened the second quarter with a 11-0 run tying the game before Cameron Brink snagged an offensive rebound and put back to regain the lead, 24-22.

The Sparks continued to lock in on defense and limiting the Mystics to 31 first-half points, their fewest allowed in a first half this season. Washington shot just 29.7% from the field and 27.3% from three in the first half. However, Sparks slowed down on both ends of the court, leading into multiple rotations off the bench, as they finished the half holding on to a nine-point lead, 40-31.

“We got a little sloppy… I thought in the second and third [quarters], we were settling for threes when we needed to be attacking,” Coach Roberts said. “We shot 36 threes, which is a lot, and I’m okay with that, but you need to shoot better than 27% if you’re gonna shoot that many.”

Sparks resurged after taking their foot slightly off the gas behind their dynamic duo leaders Plum and Hamby turned up on offense initiated by an 8-0 solo run of Plum including back-to-back triples, to push the lead up to six, 71-65 after Mystics had tied the game.

Hamby and Stevens both showed tenacious defense on Mystics strong frontcourt, Shakira Austin and Iriafen, despite Austin and Iriafen scoring 22 and 11 points, respectively.

“We know [what’s] at stake, but [we’re] just trying to break it down to each possession matters and not getting too caught up in, ‘oh, we gotta win X amount of games, ’”Stevens said. “We know the circumstances, but all we can control is the next possession, so just trying to make sure we lock in on Washington, and now [we have] Seattle tomorrow.”

Hamby appeared to come back alive on the offensive end in the fourth quarter finishing the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds, making her 11th double-double of the season. Plum added 18 points with 14 of them coming in the fourth quarter. Jackson scored 16 points, including her 11th consecutive game with multiple threes, which is longest for the Sparks franchise and second in the WNBA.

“[Dearica Hamby] was just a beast on the boards, and finishing in traffic, and those and-ones, she’s just so strong and athletic,” coach Roberts said. “They showed their experience, and [Azurá Stevens] did a great job defensively, but we have to be better at putting teams away. But we took care of business, and at this point, it’s [time to] advance and move on.”

Moving closer towards the end of the season, the Sparks hit the road on a three-game trip, starting on the west coast against the Seattle Storm (Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. PT) and then heading south to Georgia for the Atlanta Dream (Sept. 3 at 4:30 p.m. PT & Sept. 5 at 4:30 p.m. PT).

UCLA unwavering despite unable to upset Utah in 43-10 loss

By

Charle' Moore

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August 30, 2025

_RM58285 — Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News

Pasadena, CA – UCLA opened their season as an under the radar team despite having the number one transfer as their starting quarterback with a lopsided loss, 43-10, as majority expected Utah not to be upset on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

“A lot of stuff to learn from. Not the outcome that we wanted in the first game, but we just have to learn from this,” Coach DeShaun Foster said. “It’s not going to be easy, but one positive thing I can take away from this is the way they’re sounding in the locker room right now.”

UCLA won the coin toss and deferred to a Devon Dampier’s open drive performance as Utes quarterback made a far-seeing statement of him to be a nightmare for UCLA’s defense throughout the game. His playmaking abilities resulted in 3 out of 4 passes and scoring on their first drive in less than 5 minutes of the game for 75 yards, 11 plays, 7-0 advantage Utah.

Utah’s O line displayed a heroic performance to help their quarterback and team convert 14 out of 16 third downs. Utes had several players whom played on both sides of the ball where the defense seem to setup the offense with ideal field position while holding Bruins to only 50 offense plays. Dampier passed for 206 yards and two touchdowns plus a third touchdown on the ground.

“I’m not going to take anything away from him, he’s a great quarterback. Coming into the game, we knew he was something that we would have to focus on,” Utah’s cornerback Isaiah Chisom said. “Good players make plays. I think this game gives us a chance to see what we need to work on. Going into film tomorrow, and then practice, we know exactly what we need to work on.”

Utah finished with four sacks and snapped a four-game winning streak for UCLA season openers. Bruins appeared to find rhythm in their offense coming out of halftime and settled for a 46-yard field goal by K Mateen Bhaghani, his sole attempt, improving to 29-for-34 (85%) on field goals for his career, including 21-25 as a Bruin (84%).

Giving Bruins fans within the 35 thousand crowd hope and a reason to cheer for the home team as the score got within reach, Utah quickly responded with a nine minute 44 second drive led by Dampier finishing with a two-yard rush TD, 30-10.

“The fan base came out and showed their support. Obviously, we have to do our part and get them a win,” Nico lamaleava said.

“That’s all on us and we’re going to continue to get better throughout the year.”

Utes put up 463 yards of total offense, while Bruins finished with 305. UCLA’s committed just three penalties in the contest, for 30 yards.

“I think the score got us to be one-dimensional at one point, so that was tough. I was proud of the way they came and kept fighting,” coach Foster said. “There might have been a couple of long faces on the sideline, but for the most part most of those guys were still out there fighting and understood that what you’re putting on film now is actually who you are as a football player.”

Year two of the DeShaun Foster era at UCLA looked promising though an ugly loss with little glimpses of standout play, given Utah’s level of competition offers a team like the Bruins opportunities to grow early in the season with plenty of new faces on the field. Besides quarterback Iamaleava, who transferred into the program this offseason from Tennessee returning close to his hometown of Long Beach, Anthony Woods and Isiah Chisom made an impressive debut on offense and defense, respectively. Woods caught one touchdown and finished 3 of 3 for 48 yards.

“We just played a good team. That was it. We played a good team that came out and played their style of play,” coach Foster said. “I won’t take anything away from them. They were able to execute and do what they wanted to do out there on the field. We’ve just got to come back in, regroup and really just grade yourself and be hard on yourself. This isn’t going to be easy.”

UCLA travels to Nevada to face UNLV and Utah (1-0) hosts Cal Poly next Saturday.

Oregon tames the Bobcats

By

Jennifer Moore

-

August 30, 2025

A1A01047 — Photo by Ben Ammon / fi360 News

Eugene, OR- The Oregon Ducks kickoff the season with a dominating victory over Montana State Bobcats 59-13. It wasn’t a shut out but the big plays to whoa the crowd was happening all throughout the game.

The Ducks quarterback Dante Moore who’s been waiting for the keys to this high-powered offense. Starting the season with 3 touchdowns for 213 yards on 18/23 pass with no interceptions. He did use his legs with 3 rushes for 18 yards to round out a successful start.

“I thought we had a simple plan and a plan we could execute at a high level. He went out there and executed it really well,” said Oregon coach Dan Lanning, “He (Moore) was sharp. He knew where to go with the ball, was decisive with reads, was able to make some checks,”

The defending Big Sky champions managed only 244 total yards against the Ducks defense. Looking at the film only being able to get 3/12 first downs on 3^rd down. Even though they played a clean game with no turnovers it wasn’t enough.

Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson, who spent the last two seasons at Stanford, threw for 198 yards.

From the start of the game Oregon went to work on the ground with easy scoring 2 first quarter rushing touchdowns. Then the Bobcats woke up and at least held the Ducks to a field goal to slow the Ducks down.

The balance attacked displayed by the Ducks against the Bobcats program was spot on 253 Passing to 253 rushing. Moore at the controls stepped right in big shoes of NFL quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Moore was able to spread the ball around to 10 different pass catchers that built his confidence as game progressed.

“But when you have great guys that can make contested catches, can make plays with the ball in their hands, it’s easier for the quarterback to put the ball out there,” said Moore. The Ducks just handled business as usual and next week will host Oklahoma St. on Saturday September 6^th. While the Bobcats will host South Dakota St Sat for a chance to get back to .500.

USC opens the season with a dominant 73-13 win over Missouri State

By

Eric Ramos

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August 30, 2025

usc83025-10963 — Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News

Los Angeles, Ca-USC finished with its highest scoring game since 1930 with a 73-13 win over Missouri State on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Nine players scored 10 touchdowns for USC and they scored on 10 of their first 11 drives without a punt.

Starting quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 295 and two touchdowns in the first half while running backs Waymond Jordan, Bryan Jackson and King Miller rushed for touchdowns.

“We were able to get a lot of different guys involved. We (also) scored off defense,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “ It was exciting to see. I anticipated that we would play something like this. It’s kind of what I’ve seen on the practice field. I expected we would come out and play well on all sides and be complementary, and we did that.”

After Missouri State got on the board first with a 44-yard field goal, USC drove down the field, led by running back Jordan who scored from five yards out to give USC a 7-3 lead with 6:58 left in the first quarter.

The Bears were forced to punt. On the ensuing drive, USC went down the field and scored on a Jackson 3-yard run to take a 14-3 lead in the first quarter.

USC would get the ball back and Maiava connected with tight end Lake McRee for a 64-yard touchdown in the second quarter. On the next drive, USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald intercepted Bears’ quarterback Jacob Clark and returned it 39 yards for a 28-3 lead in the second quarter.

Missouri State came right back with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Clark to wide receiver Tristian Gardner on 4th down to cut the Trojans lead 28-10. USC then took a 35-10 lead when Maiava scrambled 3 yards for a touchdown.

The Trojans got the ball back with just under two minutes left in the first half. On second and ten, running back Eli Sanders caught a swing pass and outraced the defenders for a 73-yard touchdown and USC took a 42-10 lead into halftime.

USC opened the third quarter with true freshman quarterback Husain Longstreet in for Maiava. The freshman quickly took over and led the Trojans to an 8-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by a Longstreet 5-yard touchdown run.

“We’ve got a lot of super-talented guys in the (running back) room and on the whole offense,” Sanders said. “So I was super-excited to see everybody do what they can do.”

Missouri State added a field goal before USC running back King Miller raced to the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown and a 56-13 USC lead in the third quarter.

Longstreet added his second rushing touchdown of the game to give USC a 63-13 lead in the fourth quarter. USC added a field goal and Longstreet threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Carson Tabaracci for a 73-13 lead in the fourth quarter.

Up next for the Trojans is a home matchup versus Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 6.

fi360 News

Allemand’s absolute game aids Sparks snipping Wings, 91-77

UCLA wakes up to late in Vegas

USC routs Georgia Southern in former coaches return

Oregon wins the gun fight against Oklahoma St

Colorado Dominates Delaware thanks to third-string quarterback Ryan Staub

Valkyries Dominate Mystics in Blowout Win, 99-62

Sparks spearheaded by Plum’s defense to shutdown Mystics, 81-78

UCLA unwavering despite unable to upset Utah in 43-10 loss

Oregon tames the Bobcats

USC opens the season with a dominant 73-13 win over Missouri State

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