Can the USC Trojans avoid a major upset in Week 2 of their first Big Ten conference season?

In their first home game, the No. 13 USC Trojans (1-0) host Utah State (1-0) at 8 p.m. PT on Saturday, Sept. 7. The Trojans will look to keep the momentum going after a landmark win over the LSU Tigers in Week 1 in front of 9.2 million viewers.

Utah State of the Mountain West Conference poses a challenge for USC. Utah State has successfully defeated the AP’s top 25 teams, as the Aggies have won five of their last 17 games against ranked teams.

USC quarterback Miller Moss is off to a good start. Moss replaces the retired Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Moss completed 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown against the Tigers and was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

“I think he can continue to develop by being familiar with all the different situations that come with these games,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “Every rep, every situation that happens in a game, every matchup is just another opportunity for him to learn and develop as a player.”

Utah State also picked up a win, defeating FCS team Robert Morris 36-14 in its season opener on Saturday, August 31.

MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting: Will Lincoln Riley’s phone explode after LSU game?

How to watch

The game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Unfortunately, that means many USC fans won’t be able to watch their favorite football team this Saturday. The disagreement between Comcast/Xfinity and the Big Ten Network had led to power outages in California and the Pacific Northwest.

A similar allocation problem arose when Nebraska, Rutgers and Maryland were added to the Big Ten and the issue was resolved. Unfortunately for West Coast sports fans, there doesn’t seem to be any pressing deadline.

If you’re an Xfinity/Comcast customer and you’re looking to watch Trojans, Ducks, Huskies or Bruins, fuboTV is a popular option to access the Big Ten Network. The service is currently offering a free trial that allows new subscribers to watch a few Big Ten games before purchasing a subscription. 7-day trial here.

INJURY UPDATE: USC linebacker Mason Cobb, who made seven tackles in Week 1, is questionable for Week 2.

“Mason has been limited for us this week, he has not participated fully in training, his participation in the game is questionable,” said Riley.

FUN FACTS: USC running back Woody Marks has the nation’s longest active streak with 46 consecutive games with a pass reception.

FORECAST: USC’s defense shows its strengths against Utah State, forcing the Aggies to commit turnovers. Moss and wide receiver Zachariah Branch score multiple touchdowns and USC gets its first home win of the season. USC 45, Utah State 21.

RANKINGS: USC is ranked 13th in the latest AP Poll and 14th in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

RECORDS: USC Trojans (1-0) vs. Utah State Aggies (1-0)

OPPORTUNITIES: USC is the favorite with a 28.5 point lead over the Aggies.

PLAYING TIME: Saturday, September 7, 2024, 8:00 p.m. PT

LOCATION: United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, California

TV: Big Ten Network

RADIO: ESPN LA 710AM Radio, Trojan Radio Network–KSHP 1400AM, USCTrojans.com and KABC.com and on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Channels 197, 198, 39

THE FINAL WORD: Riley says he has “a lot of respect” for Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes. The Trojans lost to the Utah Utes last season with Barnes at quarterback.

“It always helps when you’re on the field with a guy like (Barnes), who is a very good player,” Riley said.