No. 14 USC Opens Season with Win Over San José State Amid Criticism Over Sparse Crowd
Quick Brief
The No. 14 USC Trojans kicked off their season with a 42-26 victory against San José State. Despite a strong performance powered by a youth movement, the game drew intense criticism and media attention for a sparse crowd and numerous empty seats at the Coliseum.
What Happened?
USC defeated San José State 42-26 in their season opener on August 29, 2026. While the team secured a win driven by a youth movement, media outlets and observers heavily criticized the poor attendance and empty seats at the stadium, noting that fans braved extreme heat for the game.
Why It Matters
The presence of significant empty seats during a season opener raises questions about fan enthusiasm and support for head coach Lincoln Riley's program heading into the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- The game took place on August 29, 2026.
- USC defeated San José State with a final score of 42-26.
- The Trojans entered the matchup ranked as the No. 14 team.
- The team's performance was bolstered by a youth movement.
- The home opener at the Coliseum drew criticism for a sparse crowd and 'pathetic' attendance.
- Fans braved extreme heat to attend the game.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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