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By Steve Finley
Sports Editor 

USC and UCLA win their openers, move on to week two

 

September 8, 2022

George Laase

UCLA running back, Zack Charbonnet is one of the best running backs in the nation.

The USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins won their home openers last Saturday and both teams are looking forward to being 2-0 at the end of the day on Saturday. Both teams displayed high powered offenses and solid defenses against teams that were not on their level.

"It was a fun moment to finally be here," said first year USC coach Lincoln Riley after the game against Rice at the Coliseum. "Everyone was anxious and excited to be able to play. We maintained our energy and physicality throughout the game. I am proud of the guys. We understand this is the beginning. It's a good start. We are thrilled with the win."

On offense the Trojans were led by quarterback Caleb Williams who completed 19 out of 22 passes for 249 yards and two touchdown passes. He also ran for 68 yards in their 66-14 win over Rice. His main targets were Tahj Washington and Jordan Addison. The main running backs are Stanford transfer Austin Jones and Raleek Brown.

On defense the Trojans will rely on former Alabama linebacker Shane Lee and defensive back Calen Bullock, a Pasadena John Muir high school graduate. Bullock had two interceptions, one for a touchdown on Saturday. Lee also had an interception for a touchdown.

George Laase

USC senior running back Austin Jones cuts to the sideline to score a touchdown against Rice. He will play against his former team, Stanford on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Palo Alto.

On Saturday they travel to Palo Alto at 4:30 p.m. to take on a Stanford team that also won their first game. They beat Colgate 41-10. Stanford offense is led by quarterback Tanner McKee, running back EJ Smith and receiver Michael Wilson. David Shaw has been coaching the Cardinal for 11 years.

The UCLA Bruins, fresh off their 45-17 win over Bowling Green will be playing a Historically Black College, Alabama State for the first time in UCLA history. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

UCLA's offensive team gained over 600 yards against Colgate, and they were led by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson who threw for 298 yards, and he also ran for 87 yards. His main receivers are Jake Bobo and Kazmeir Allen. Their outstanding running back, Zack Charbonnet ran for 111 yards. On defense they are led by defensive back Stephan Blaylock.

 

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