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PHOTOS: USC begins their season with a victory over Rice

The Trojans defeat Rice 66-14 in their first football game.

By Jason Goode, Eric GyuMin Choi, and Eric Yeh
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(Photo by Sam Bitman)

A heat wave this past weekend, with a high of 98 degrees, marked the return of the long-anticipated Trojan football season led by new head coach Lincoln Riley. In comparison to the 54,398 fans for last year’s season opener against San Jose State, 60,113 fans were in attendance to witness the Trojans take on Rice. Riley started off his season debut strong with a decisive victory of 66-14, expanding his impressive record from his time at the University of Oklahoma.

The Trojans’ defense had a strong showing in the second half shutting out the Rice Owls completely. The offense did not slow down the entire game, only having to punt once. Now 1-0, USC heads up to Stanford for a conference game this Saturday. Stanford defeated USC last season 42-28, which may prove to be a test for USC’s offense and defense.

Students play tailgating games prior to the start of the football game.
Students play tailgating games prior to the start of the football game. (Photo by Danni Shuai)
Fans display their school spirit with USC merchandise and game day attire.
Fans display their school spirit with USC merchandise and game day attire. (Photo by Sam Yang)
Fans pitched tents and created signs at the tailgate for pregame festivities.
Fans pitched tents and created signs at the tailgate for pregame festivities. (Photo by Danni Shuai)
Led by the USC Spirit Leaders, USC Song Girls and Flag Bearers, the USC football team charges out of the tunnel to the roar of fans, ready for the kickoff of the 2022 season.
Led by the USC Spirit Leaders, USC Song Girls and Flag Bearers, the USC football team charges out of the tunnel to the roar of fans, ready for the kickoff of the 2022 season. (Photo by Jason Goode)
Sophomore Quarterback Caleb Williams played an extraordinary game completing 19 of 22 passes for 249 yards and running for 68 yards to help lead the Trojans to victory.
Sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams played an extraordinary game completing 19 of 22 passes for 249 yards and running for 68 yards to help lead the Trojans to victory. (Photo by Sam Bitman)
Students had fun in the stands with the celebratory tradition of tossing a person into the air as many times as USC’s current score. A different person was tossed each time the Trojans scored, with the final person being tossed in the air 66 times.
Students had fun in the stands with the celebratory tradition of tossing a person into the air as many times as USC’s current score. A different person was tossed each time the Trojans scored, with the final person being tossed in the air 66 times. (Photo by Jason Goode)
The USC defense celebrates after redshirt freshman Xamarion Gordon intercepts the ball at Rice’s 34-yard line.
The USC defense celebrates after redshirt freshman Xamarion Gordon intercepts the ball at Rice’s 34-yard line. (Photo by Sam Bitman)
The USC sideline celebrates after scoring a pick-six. The Trojans had a total of four interceptions with three leading to touchdowns.
The USC sideline celebrates after scoring a pick-six. The Trojans had a total of four interceptions with three leading to touchdowns. (Photo by Jason Goode)
Near the end of the game, the student section was cheering for a field goal to put the Trojans up three more points. The Trojans did not end up completing the drive and walked off the field on third down at Rice’s 19-yard line.
Near the end of the game, the student section was cheering for a field goal to put the Trojans up three more points. The Trojans did not end up completing the drive and walked off the field on third down at Rice’s 19-yard line. (Photo by Jason Goode)

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