In the opening game of the 2026 college football season, USC showcased its prowess with a decisive 42-26 victory over San Jose State at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This win marked a strong start for the Trojans, who now hold a record of 1-0, while the Spartans begin their season at 0-1.
Following the game, San Jose State's head coach Ken Niumatalolo took to the podium to express his admiration for USC’s performance. He acknowledged the challenges his team faced throughout the match, particularly in trying to contain the Trojans' offensive strategy. “Well, first off, hats off to USC and Coach [Lincoln] Riley,” Niumatalolo stated. “That’s a really great football team. We struggled all day trying to find a way to stop them.”
Niumatalolo highlighted USC's effective running game, which allowed them to gain significant yardage early in the game. “When you can run the ball like they were doing early on in the game, gaining six yards of play, it makes it tough to play defense,” he explained. This offensive efficiency put San Jose State's defense on the back foot, making it difficult for them to respond effectively.
In addition to praising the overall team, Niumatalolo specifically commended USC's defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson. He remarked, “I know Gary Patterson very well. Smart call by Lincoln to hire him. They’re going to get people in trouble in the Big Ten, and that’s just their first game.” Niumatalolo expressed confidence that as the season progresses, USC's defense will continue to improve under Patterson's leadership.
Niumatalolo’s respect for Patterson was evident as he referred to him as a “phenomenal football coach” and a “phenomenal culture builder.” He noted the significance of Lincoln Riley’s decision to hire such an esteemed figure in college football, stating, “To have the humility as a head coach, and the foresight to hire a Hall-of-Famer, a lot of coaches wouldn’t do that.” This acknowledgment underscores the strategic moves made by the Trojans' coaching staff as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of college football.
While USC celebrated its victory and the promise of a strong season ahead, San Jose State is left to regroup as they prepare for their next matchup against Eastern Michigan. The Spartans will look to bounce back and find their footing in the coming weeks, as they face the challenges of the season head-on.
As the college football season unfolds, the performance of teams like USC and San Jose State will be closely watched, with both squads aiming to establish their identities and achieve their respective goals.
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