USC improved across the board in Game 2 versus Fresno State
· Yahoo Sports
The USCTrojans took the things they did well in Game 1 and took it up a notch in Game 2. They also cleaned up a lot of their flaws on both sides of the football. This was a fantastic all-around performance by USC. Jayden Maiava led the way with a Heisman-level performance, while Jide Abasiri has made a name for himself in the first two weeks.
Here is what we learned about the Trojans after their second win of the season:
Visit afrikasportnews.co.za for more information.
Jayden Maiava's improvement is showing
Jayden Maiava started off in Game 1, showing that he managed the game and effectively facilitated Lincoln Riley's game plan. In Game 2, Jayden Maiava was free to let it rip. That is exactly what he did. The confidence he is playing with this season is evident. He has been super efficient, and he has been decisive. He is not making the silly mistakes he made last season in key moments. It is clear that he has taken his game to the next level. He looks like a top quarterback in the country. He is ready to match the level of the other great quarterbacks in the Big Ten Conference.
Trent Mosley is Jayden Maiava's favorite target
For 2 straight games now, when Jayden Maiava needed to get the offense moving, he found his freshman target, Trent Mosley. Trent Mosley makes the game so easy. He catches everything, and when he and Maiava connect, there is a great chance it will be for a big gain. So far, the connection between the two looks special. I think they are both just getting started. 2 games in, Trent Mosley is Jayden Maiava's favorite guy to look to, and so far he has made him right every time he has thrown it to him,
USC freshmen are getting better each week
In Game 1, the Trojans' young weapons took some time to get acclimated. Jayden Maiava and the young guys did not look on the same page together until a little bit into the second quarter and the second half. Game 2, it seemed like the freshman weapons were ready to go as soon as the game kicked off. Mark Bowman looked more involved, and two freshman receivers looked like elite receivers. They also looked like the best receivers on the team, even with Tanook Hines being back. Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Trent Mosley both looked like stars. Luke Wafle on defense was still finding a way to make an impact. Their development early in the season has been encouraging to see.
The passing attack will be ready against elite teams
The Trojans' offense against the Bulldogs showed they still have that electric passing game. Jayden Maiava threw for what felt like a very easy 349 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was clicking on all cylinders with his young weapons. The passing game looked as good as it was last season against a solid defense in Game 2. To Beat teams like Ohio State and Oregon, the passing attack will have to be special. This past week, Jayden Maiava and the offense gave great confidence that they will be up for that challenge.
Jide Abasiri is the Trojans' best defensive player
Jide Abasiri, in the first two weeks, has been unstoppable. His breakout season so far has been encouraging to watch. In both games, he's disrupting offenses. His twitch and power have ruined offenses' game plans. He is already making a case for All-Big Ten if this play continues. Also, if he can keep this up, the Trojans' defense will have an answer and someone to match the physicality against the juggernaut teams of the Big Ten. USC will not lose the physicality battle and get run over against Oregon and Ohio State with Jide Abasiri. He has given this USC defense newfound confidence, and he is the tone setter of that unit.
Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC improved across the board in Game 2 versus Fresno State