The USC Trojans battled a tougher opponent in Game 2 than what they faced in Game 1, but that did not stop them from putting together a complete performance. Both sides of the ball played as well as they possibly could have. Lincoln Riley and Gary Patterson both had their respective units looking ready for Big Ten competition.
My overreaction take of the week after Game 2 of the 2026-27 season is that the team that showed up on Friday for USC is a College Football Playoff team. That team looked good enough to give just about anybody in the country a tough fight.
The Trojans' passing attack looked very lethal. Jayden Maiava looked in control and very comfortable, lighting up a formidable defense. His chemistry with his young receivers looked spectacular.
Even though Tanook Hines got to play this game, the freshman receivers severely outplayed him. But as he gets more up to speed and involved, this receiver room is going to be up there with the best.
The run game and how physical the veteran offensive line for USC is are the perfect complement to a lethal passing attack. The Trojans' offense can score in multiple ways, and that will help them against any team they face.
As for the defense, it seems like Gary Patterson was the right guy to bring in. The Trojans' defense is way more physical than it has been. The Trojans have a guy on the defensive line in Jide Abasiri, who looks like a game-changer. Many other guys on this defense are stepping up.
After taking their foot off the gas in Game 1, this Trojans defense suffocated the Bulldogs for 4 quarters in Game 2. The Trojans' defense looked just as good as the offense, and that is a scary sight for the Big Ten. USC finally has the squad that can compete in the Big Ten and is a team worthy of being selected in the College Football Playoff.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC team which showed up vs Fresno State can go places in 2026
