The USC Trojans got their 2015 football season underway with a dominant performance, defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves 55-6.
The USC Trojans opened their 2015 campaign with a 55-6 blowout of the Arkansas State Red Wolves in front of a home crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Trojans jumped out to a 28-0 lead at the half, as Arkansas State’s offense failed to find any rhythm. The Red Wolves would score the first touchdown of the second half, but USC took control from that point on, finishing the game on a 27-0 run.
Quarterback Cody Kessler led the Trojans’ high-powered offense, getting the ball to nine different receivers in the first half. He finished the game with 236 passing yards and four touchdowns, completing 19-of-26 passes before being replaced by Max Browne in the fourth quarter. Senior running back Tre Madden ran for 106 yards on just 12 carries, recording two total touchdowns.
Arkansas State could not get anything going on offense, due to a combination of their own mistakes and USC’s stifling defense. Despite rushing for 58 yards, senior quarterback Fredi Knighten completed just 8-of-23 passes, throwing two interceptions in the process. Freshman James Tabary replaced Knighten and went 7-of-11 for 95 yards. He also broke off an 86-yard run.
USC’s three-way star Adoree Jackson left the game in the first quarter with what is being called either a hip flexor or an abdominal strain. More details on the injury will be available in the coming days.
Three Stars
1. Cody Kessler, USC QB (19-of-26, 236 yards, four touchdowns)
2. Tre Madden, USC RB (106 rushing yards, 8.6 yards per carry, two total touchdowns)
3. Chris Hawkins, USC S (one interception, one fumble recovery)
Odds
USC had the spread of -27.5 covered by the end of the first half. Although they gave up a touchdown early in the second half to put that in danger, the Trojans managed to cover with ease after after a dominant finish to the game. Arkansas State’s inability to put points on the board caused the point total to fall just short of the over, set at 69.5 points.
Next Week
USC has what should be another blowout on the schedule for next Saturday, as the Trojans host the Idaho Vandals for a night game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Red Wolves have a showdown against another Top 25 opponent next week in their home opener against the No. 24 Missouri Tigers.
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