PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: College Football Week 2 Edition

FBS: Georgia Southern at USC

Saturday, Sept. 6 – 4:30 PM | LA Memorial Coliseum

Photographer: Richard Do

Reporter: Isabella Lyons

Watch Live: FS1

Preview

Week 2 brings us back to the historic LA Memorial Coliseum as No. — USC (1–0) looks to keep the momentum rolling when they host Georgia Southern (0–1).

The Trojans wasted no time making a statement in their season opener, routing Missouri State 73–13. It was USC’s highest point total since dropping 74 on Cal in 1930. Quarterback Jayden Maiava showcased why he was one of the nation’s most hyped transfers, completing 15-of-18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a rushing score—all in the first half. Freshman backup Husan Longstreet was flawless in relief, finishing 9-of-9 for 69 yards and a passing touchdown, while adding two scores on the ground. The Trojans’ backfield depth was on full display as King Miller, Waymond Jordan, and Bryan Jackson all found the end zone.

Georgia Southern comes in licking its wounds after a tough 42–14 defeat at Fresno State. All eyes will be on Head Coach Clay Helton, who returns to the Coliseum for the first time since his USC tenure ended in 2021. Helton knows better than anyone the challenge of trying to slow down USC’s offensive firepower, but his Eagles will need to clean up mistakes and establish some consistency if they hope to hang around.

Prediction

JP’s Pick: Maiava and USC light up the scoreboard again, spoiling Helton’s homecoming in emphatic fashion.

Final Score: USC 77, Georgia Southern 10

3C2A: Citrus at Saddleback

Saturday, Sept. 6 – 6:00 PM | Saddleback College

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Preview

After the action wraps in Los Angeles, attention shifts to South Orange County for a 3C2A showdown between the Saddleback Bobcats (1–0) and the Citrus Owls (1–0).

Saddleback opened its season with a narrow win over Pasadena City. Quarterback Nicky Johnson managed the game efficiently, throwing for 118 yards and a touchdown on 11-of-16 passing. His go-to target was Nick Gentilella, who hauled in five receptions for 97 yards to keep the Bobcats’ offense moving.

Citrus, meanwhile, leaned on the arm of Brian Salazar Jr., who completed 16-of-23 passes for three touchdowns in a decisive win over Chaffey. The Owls’ balanced attack will test a Saddleback defense still looking to establish its identity under head coach Mark Fischer.

Prediction

JP’s Pick: In a back-and-forth battle, Johnson and Gentilella make just enough plays to secure Saddleback’s second straight win.

Final Score: Saddleback 28, Citrus 24