{
  "id": 7039876,
  "title": "USC vs Louisiana live grades: Winners, losers as Trojans play Ragin' Cajuns in LA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/usc-vs-louisiana-live-grades-winners-losers-as-trojans-play-ragin",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T01:54:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/usc-vs-louisiana-live-grades-015429067.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "USC and Louisiana faced off in the LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 12, with the Trojans aiming to start their Big Ten Conference schedule with a win. Quarterback Jayden Maiava, who returned for his fourth season with the Trojans, completed 48-of-54 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his strong performance. Despite this, the Ragin Cajuns secured a blowout victory over the Lamar Cardinals last week, with Quarterback Darrell Smith also contributing significantly to the team's rushing attack.\n\nIn the first quarter, the Trojans had a chance to gain an early lead but were held at bay by the Cajuns' defense. Quarterback Winfield saw the most time at quarterback for Louisiana, completing 16 of 22 passes for 189 yards and two interceptions. He also contributed to the rushing attack with 84 yards and a touchdown. USC's Darrell Smith matched Smith's rushing yardage with 84 yards and two touchdowns.\n\nThe second quarter saw the Cajuns pulling ahead as they capitalized on their rushing game, with Smith contributing 84 yards and two touchdowns. USC's Jayden Maiava continued to impress with his passing game, completing 48-of-54 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns. However, Louisiana's strong defense proved to be a challenge for the Trojans.\n\nThe third quarter saw the Trojans regaining some control as they managed to limit the Cajuns' scoring opportunities. However, it was the Cajuns' strong rushing attack that proved to be too much for USC, with Smith once again contributing significantly to the team's rushing game. USC's Smith also managed to score two touchdowns in this quarter, further highlighting his importance to the team's offense.\n\nIn the final quarter, the Trojans continued their fight, but it was too late as Louisiana secured their back-to-back wins to start the season. USC's Maiava finished the game with an impressive performance, completing 48-of-54 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns. However, Louisiana's defense proved to be too strong for the Trojans, who ultimately lost the game.",
  "summary": "USC football faces Louisiana in a nonconference game. Here's a live look at how the Trojans are doing in their Week 2 matchup.",
  "key_points": [
    "USC Trojans defeated Louisiana Ragin Cajuns 38-24",
    "Jayden Maiava completed 48-of-54 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns",
    "Darrell Smith rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns for Louisiana"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}