USC's defense records rare two-safety shutout in 39-0 win over Fresno State
30 sourcesUpdated Sep 5, 2026
USC improved to 2-0 with a 39-0 victory over Fresno State, delivering a dominant defensive performance under new coordinator Gary Patterson. The Trojans held the Bulldogs to 116 total yards, recorded five sacks and seven tackles for loss, forced two turnovers, and scored two safeties—USC’s first game with multiple safeties in at least several seasons. Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns, while freshman receivers Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Trent Mosley helped fuel USC’s explosive passing attack. USC’s rushing game remained inconsistent, and the offense had two red-zone failures, but the Trojans showed marked progress from their season-opening win over San Jose State.
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Week 1 to Week 2 defensive jump is night and day. Whatever Patterson changed, keep doing it.
Maiava looked sharp out there, 349 yards is no joke. Ground game needs to catch up though if they want to be complete.
Two safeties AND a shutout? That's a rare defensive performance. Patterson clearly has this unit playing differently already.
