On a chilling Saturday that saw four ranked teams lose, including the nation’s No. 5 and No. 10 teams, the USC Trojans left no doubt about their convincing 48-0 shutout win over Utah State.

USC’s new defensive coaching staff showed its worth in last week’s 27-20 win over LSU, but how would the Trojans respond against a lesser opponent? That question was answered in the 41-0 shutout of Utah State. Since Lincoln Riley stepped onto USC’s campus, the Trojan offense has been potent. Riley has always had a great offense, but Riley has never had elite defense, not even at Oklahoma. Until now.

The Trojans were without starting linebacker Mason Cobb, as he was ruled out of Saturday night’s game after being listed as questionable all week. Despite Cobb being out, the Trojans’ front seven was on fire.

Eric Gentry had a great game in relief of Cobb. Gentry tied with Easton Mascarenas-Arnold for a team-high seven tackles. He also had a sack and 1.5 TFLs.

Mascarenas-Arnold completed his great evening with an interception.

Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes’ name may sound familiar to USC fans, as he defeated the Trojans by 213 yards and three touchdowns last year at the Coliseum while leading Utah.

Barnes struggled mightily in his return to LA, as USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn kept the Aggies in stitches all night, throwing for 103 yards and adding an interception.

USC had 14 players catch a pass tonight. Despite the departure of a few key players in the wide receiver room during the offseason, the Trojans reloaded at the position. It’s safe to say this could be one of the deepest position groups in the country, not just the Big Ten.

Lake McRee had another great night for the Trojans, as the Texas tight end had four catches for 81 yards. Makai Lemon also contributed by catching the lone touchdown thrown by USC quarterback Miller Moss

With the upset win over Utah State, Riley got to see how deep the room is. Players like Charles Ross, Jaden Richardson and Walker Lyons got to shine and saw a lot of targets coming their way. Despite not having a clear number one target, Moss doesn’t have to worry about having enough quality targets to throw to.

It’s been a long time since the Trojans had a 100-yard rusher in a game. Since USC’s 52-42 loss to Washington on Nov. 4, 2023, the Trojans have gone nearly five straight games without one.

Against Utah State they almost had two.

Earlier in the week, the mother of USC running back Woody Marks tweeted that he was looking for his first 100-yard game with the Trojans after rushing for just 68 yards last week. Marks narrowly eclipsed the 100-yard mark on Saturday night, finishing the game with 103 yards and one touchdown.

Quinten Joyner added 84 yards on the ground and two touchdowns as the Trojans went wild with all four running backs on the depth chart getting a carry.

A’Marion Peterson scored his first touchdown as a Trojan, finishing with three carries for 18 yards.

If the Trojans can get consistent production out of their backfield in this manner, it could add another dimension to Riley’s high-powered aerial attack.