USC football's freshmen shine as Trojans blow by Louisiana

No. 14 USC finished its nonconference schedule unbeaten with a 49-30 victory over Louisiana in the Coliseum on Saturday night. The Trojans’ freshmen accounted for four touchdowns, with quarterback Jayden Maiava going 19-of-29 for 261 yards and five scores. It was Maiava’s third straight game of at least 250 passing yards. After two incomplete passes, he threw the first interception of the season on USC’s opening drive, targeting Tanook Hines before the ball was picked off by cornerback Avery Demery. USC responded by leaning on the run, and freshman tight end Mark Bowman delivered two touchdown catches, including a 5-yard strike and a 35-yard play that ended with Bowman hurdling a defender. Louisiana’s Steven Blanco scored a 1-yard rushing TD, but USC pulled away again as other freshmen found the end zone, including Trent Mosley with an 86-yard punt return.