Overview

• Lincoln Riley’s team overwhelmed Missouri State 73-13, with quarterback Maiava directing an offense just shy of 600 yards for USC’s highest single-game point total since 1930.
• USC did not appear in the AP Top 25 and, while receiving votes, fell in the USA Today Coaches poll from 29th to 31st in voting.
• Supporters criticized the rankings on social media, describing the absence as a snub after one of Week 1’s most lopsided wins.
• Coverage linked the tepid polling response to the opponent’s recent jump to the FBS even as six Big Ten teams were ranked, including Ohio State at No. 1 and Penn State at No. 2.
• The Trojans play Georgia Southern and Purdue before higher-profile opportunities at Illinois, Notre Dame and Oregon, with Michigan visiting Los Angeles.