USC just crushed San Jose State 42-26 in Week 0, putting up over 500 yards of total offense and cruising to a 42-11 lead in the fourth quarter. You might think the Trojans are ready to roll into Week 1, but their next opponent, Fresno State, has a secret weapon who knows the Trojans better than anyone: head coach Matt Entz. This matchup, along with a few others flying under the radar, is exactly why you gotta pay attention beyond the obvious Clemson-LSU or Louisville-Ole Miss games.
Fresno State’s Secret Weapon and USC’s Freshman Phenom
Entz, who spent 2024 as USC’s defensive assistant head coach, is not just any coach. This guy built elite defenses at North Dakota State, leading them to two FCS national championships as head coach and being part of six overall. That kind of insider knowledge into the Trojans’ playbook could be a massive advantage for Fresno State, helping them keep this game tight and absolutely *cover* that hefty -21.5 spread. Let’s not forget, this is Fresno State’s first game as a member of the Pac-12, and they were one of the Mountain West’s best last season. They’re coming to make a statement.
On USC’s side, keep your eyes glued to freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley. This four-star true freshman absolutely lit up San Jose State in his first start, grabbing seven catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Jayden Maiava was incredibly efficient, only missing four throws while tossing two scores and running for another. Mosley already made noise in L.A., and he’s set to be a huge part of this offense. But can even a talent like him overcome Entz’s defensive genius?
Mustangs Eye CFP Return, New Eras Begin Out West
Meanwhile, across the country, the top-25 SMU Mustangs kick off their season on the road against Florida State, and this one could get spicy. FSU opened their season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State, but honestly, it was not a promising performance for a team favored by 31.5 points. Doak Campbell Stadium is a tough place to play early in the year, just ask Alabama about last season. If SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings can follow up his monster 3,641-yard, 26-touchdown campaign from last season, he could lead the Mustangs to a statement win in that hostile environment as they eye a return to the CFP. That -3 spread for SMU feels like a real test.
Then there’s a whole new vibe out West with UCLA and Cal, both kicking off new eras. UCLA brings in Bob Chesney, hoping he can be their Curt Cignetti and elevate them in the Big Ten. Cal’s got former Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi taking over, and he’s already pulled in the 14th-best transfer class in the country for his first year. These coaches are clearly ready to make waves, and their opening matchup for a -2.5 spread in favor of UCLA is a prime example of why these “sleeper” games are where the real drama unfolds.
These Week 1 matchups are shaping up to be way more than just background noise for Labor Day Weekend. With former assistants facing old teams, top QBs in hostile stadiums, and new coaching staffs going head-to-head, there’s serious intrigue here. Forget the obvious top-25 clashes for a minute. The real action might just be lurking in these games, where the unexpected is always on the table.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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