Springfield Standard

Missouri State University Bears football team began its first season as an FBS program with a 73-13 loss to the University of Southern California at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. The game marked several milestones for Missouri State despite the lopsided score.

Freshman Tristian Gardner scored Missouri State’s first touchdown as an FBS program, catching a 33-yard pass from quarterback Jacob Clark in the second quarter. Kicker Yousef Obeid was successful on both field goal attempts, converting from 44 and 46 yards, and added an extra point after Gardner’s touchdown.

On defense, Mitchell Toney and DJ Wesolak combined for the Bears’ first takeaway of the season by recovering a fumble at USC’s 22-yard line in the third quarter. This turnover led to Obeid’s second field goal.

Quarterback Jacob Clark completed 16 of 24 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown but threw two interceptions, one of which was tipped at the line. Twelve different Missouri State receivers caught passes during the game. Jmariyae Robinson made three catches for 30 yards and extended his streak to 24 consecutive games with a reception.

Running back Shomari Lawrence led Missouri State’s rushing attack with 50 yards on twelve carries, including a key third-down run that helped set up Obeid’s opening field goal. Maguire Neal led all defenders with nine tackles, while Bird Lloyd added six stops.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for another score. Backup Husan Longstreet completed all nine of his passes for 69 yards and contributed both passing and rushing touchdowns. King Miller was USC's leading rusher with four carries for 80 yards, including a long touchdown run in the third quarter.

Missouri State opened scoring with a drive that resulted in Obeid's field goal after moving into USC territory early in the first quarter. However, USC responded with multiple scoring drives and built a significant lead by halftime.

USC finished with 597 total offensive yards compared to Missouri State's 224. The Trojans had advantages both on the ground (233 rushing yards) and through the air (364 passing yards), recording more than twice as many first downs as Missouri State.

The Bears will continue their road schedule next week against Marshall University before returning home to face No.16 SMU on September 13 at Robert W. Plaster Stadium. Tickets are available online or through the university box office.