For USC, efficiency is key

Two weeks into the 2025 season, USC sits at 2-0 yet remains unranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll. For many Trojan fans, that second fact stings more than the first one satisfies. Still, when focusing strictly on the measurable results within USC’s control, the Trojans are taking care of business. It hasn’t been sixty minutes of overwhelming dominance in either game, but the efficiency and control they’ve displayed leave little doubt about the quality of their performances so far.

USC’s schedule is structured as a series of tests. Some are obvious, some deceptively subtle. The first came in the opening two non-conference matchups against Missouri State and Georgia Southern. So, how did the Trojans perform on their opening exam? By the most important standard, which is winning, the Trojans aced it. Now 2-0, USC has once again extended Lincoln Riley’s streak of starting every season in Los Angeles with back-to-back victories.

The details make the results even more impressive. The Trojans won by margins of 60 and 39 points, averaging a dominant 49.5-point margin of victory. In other words, even if the product wasn’t flawless at times, whether on offense, defense, or special teams, the end result was still overwhelming control. And that’s despite having to shake off early deficits in both games. Missouri State briefly led 3-0 before USC took control just 1:40 later and never looked back. Against Georgia Southern, the Trojans fell behind 6-0, but less than five minutes later, they had taken the lead for good and spent the rest of the evening putting the game well out of reach. The starters on both sides of the ball were eventually taken out of the game during both games.

From a statistical standpoint, USC’s first two games have produced numbers that border on video game territory. Of course, it won’t look like this every single week, but one thing is already clear. There should be zero doubt about Jayden Maiava’s ability to command Lincoln Riley’s offense.

Maiava has thrown for 707 yards, the fifth-most in the nation through two weeks, despite completing only 31 passes, a mark that ranks 85th nationally. To put it in perspective, he’s a top-five passer in yards while not even playing three of the eight total quarters so far. That’s simply elite efficiency. Adding to it, Maiava leads the entire country in yards per completion at 16.8, a number that highlights just how explosive USC’s passing game has been right out of the gate.

Reality for USC

The Trojans will undoubtedly face tougher challenges as the season progresses, with the next two coming in the form of a road trip to Purdue followed by a home matchup against Michigan State. Last season, USC managed back-to-back conference victories only once, which came in November against Nebraska and UCLA. That simply wasn’t good enough then, and it won’t be good enough if history repeats itself now.

The upcoming test is clear. Can USC stack consecutive conference wins early to spark momentum and set the tone for the season? To pass it, the formula won’t change. The Trojans must remain sharp, consistent, and above all, efficient.