Game Preview: No. 7 USC Football Faces Fresno State For First Night Game in the Coliseum

By: Keely Eure, Director of Creative Content and Team Reporter

Football | September 16, 2022

Who: USC vs Fresno State

Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

When: Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. PT on FOX

All-time series: USC leads, 4-1

Last meeting: USC won 31-23 in 2019, led by sophomore quarterback JT Daniels

 

Fresno State Player Spotlight:

Quarterback Jake Haener:

• So far in 2022: 65/87 (74.7%), 737 YD, 3 TD, 0 INT

• Ranks 3rd in FBS in completion percentage

• Started his collegiate career at Washington, but transferred to Fresno State after 2018 season

• Led the Bulldogs to a thrilling upset victory over UCLA in 2021

Running back Jordan Mims: 

• So far in 2022: 36 carries, 195 YD, 4 TD

• Tied for third in FBS for rushing touchdowns

Keys to the Game:

1. Remain focused and disciplined for all four quarters

   
   

   • USC’s offense played entirely two different halves against Stanford last week. The Trojans looked unstoppable for the first thirty minutes, while the second half of the game left much to be desired. Quarterback Caleb Williams & Co. were held to just two field goals and failed to score a touchdown following halftime. USC’s coaching staff have made it clear this week that the team needs to play a complete game against Fresno State.

   • “It wasn’t good enough. That first half where everybody came out, that’s what a focused half looks like,” running backs coach Kiel McDonald said on The Victory Podcast. “Eleven guys doing their job and doing it well. The second half, I think guys kind of took their foot off the gas a little bit, and that can’t happen for what we’re trying to achieve here. So we’ve got to understand that…