USC's defense shines in dominant shutout against Fresno State

Kennedy Urlacher #9 of the USC Trojans celebrates after a sack during an NCAA Football game against the Fresno State Bulldogs on September 4, 2026, at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

LOS ANGELES -- Lincoln Riley’s USC teams have long been recognized for their explosive offensive play and elite quarterback performances. However, in the early weeks of the season, it is the defensive unit that has taken center stage, showcasing a level of dominance not seen in recent years.

This transformation can be largely credited to defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, who has instilled a new aggressive and disciplined identity into the Trojans' defense. In their recent matchup against Fresno State, USC delivered a commanding 39-0 victory, marking a significant achievement as they held the Bulldogs to a mere 116 total yards and allowed only nine first downs throughout the game.

Patterson, who joined Riley’s staff earlier this year, has a storied history of defensive success, having previously led TCU to five national top defenses during his tenure. His influence was palpable on Friday night, as the Trojans executed a game plan that emphasized speed, discipline, and relentless pressure on the opposing offense.

“He brings a whole lot of energy to us,” said USC safety Kenny Urlacher, reflecting on Patterson's impact. “He just helps us get better each and every day.”

The shutout was particularly noteworthy as it marked USC's first since 2024 and only their second since 2011. The Trojans' defense was relentless, recording five sacks and seven tackles for loss, while also forcing two turnovers. The game concluded with a turnover on downs, preserving the shutout and showcasing the defense's ability to perform under pressure.

Defensive execution shines in key moments

Riley highlighted a crucial red zone stop late in the game, emphasizing the team's focus on defensive execution. “That red zone stop at the end was tremendous,” he remarked. “That’s something we’ve really been emphasizing heavily.”

In an unusual twist, USC managed to score points without their offense even touching the ball, achieving two safeties during the game—a feat not accomplished in college football throughout the entire previous season. “I don’t know that for as long as I’ve been a coach if we’ve ever had two [safeties] in a game,” Riley noted, clearly impressed by the defensive contributions.

Junior safety Kennedy Urlacher, son of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, played a pivotal role in the victory, finishing with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a safety. His safety came when he pressured Fresno State quarterback Jayden Mandal, forcing him out of the end zone for two points. “He’s a high energy, high effort player,” Riley praised. “Once he turns it loose, you feel his speed and physicality on the field.”

The defensive performance stands in stark contrast to USC's previous outing, where they allowed 23 points in the fourth quarter against San José State. Despite that lapse, the Trojans' defense has been formidable, allowing just three total points with the starting unit on the field across their first two games.

As the Trojans prepare for the challenges ahead, the focus will be on maintaining this high standard of defensive play. Junior defensive tackle Jide Abasiri emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “It ultimately boils down to everyone doing their job.”

With Patterson at the helm, USC's defense is not only making headlines but also redefining what it means to play Trojan football, blending aggressive tactics with disciplined execution. As they move deeper into the season, the challenge will be to sustain this level of performance against tougher opponents.