USC opens its season Saturday afternoon at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against San José State, with both programs eager to set the tone for a fresh campaign. There's no film to study, no tendencies to exploit — just a blank slate and the kind of opening-week uncertainty that makes college football's first Saturday irresistible.
The Trojans hold the inherent advantage of Power Four resources and home-field pedigree at one of the sport's most storied venues. But openers are openers for a reason. San José State gets a national-stage opportunity to announce itself, and the Spartans won't need a pep talk to get up for this one.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM EDT on August 29th. Week 1 is about possibilities — and every player on that Coliseum grass is chasing the same thing: a 1-0 start and momentum that can carry a season.
Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.
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