Overview

• Jayden Maiava completed 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns and also scored on a run before giving way at halftime.
• Freshman Husan Longstreet went 9-for-9 with a touchdown pass and two rushing scores in the second half after an early fumble.
• The matchup drew scrutiny because Missouri State was playing its first FBS game after replacing a canceled Ole Miss series on USC’s schedule.
• The Los Angeles Times noted USC’s soft early slate, with the first significant test expected Sept. 20 against Michigan State after Georgia Southern and Purdue.
• Athletic director Jennifer Cohen said expectations are to win as media voices such as Colin Cowherd urged voters to bump USC up, suggesting No. 12.