Fresno State at USC

The decisive matchup is Fresno State’s protection against USC’s defensive front. Ends Kameryn Crawford and Braylan Shelby return as the Trojans’ leading sack producers, Penn State transfer Zuriah Fisher expands the edge rotation, and tackle Jahkeem Stewart offers disruption inside if fully available. That group can make the Bulldogs’ unsettled quarterback operation uncomfortable. Fresno State’s best counter is to force USC to defend the width of the field: Luke and Donelson can carry or catch the ball, while Freeman gives the passing game a proven target. Staying out of obvious passing downs would keep USC’s rush from dictating the evening.

USC can control the game by leaning on the part of its offense with the fewest questions. All five starting offensive linemen return, giving Maiava time to work through a reshaped receiver rotation and keeping the playbook open. Fresno State’s path is narrower but clear: establish Luke and Donelson early, create manageable throws for whichever quarterback takes the first snap, and make USC’s unsettled corner rotation tackle repeatedly. The Bulldogs cannot afford empty possessions that expose their quarterback to Crawford, Shelby and Stewart. The Trojans do not need to chase quick strikes; protection, patience and sustained pressure should give them control if they avoid handing Fresno State short fields.