By admin 
The No. 19 USC Trojans pulled off a 31-23 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions and their White Out crowd in Week 6. The win was made possible by senior quarterback Jayden Maiava. With poise in the pocket, layered throws and zero turnovers, Maiava was unphased by Beaver Stadium – 21-of-33, 301 yards, three touchdowns, 63.6 completion percentage and a quarterback-rating of 97.4.
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In the post-game press conference, Maiava shared how he relied on true freshmen across the board and credited the Bloom Football Performance Center’s crowd simulator for preparing the team for the tough road game.
Preparing for the White Out Crowd
Penn State’s White Out has become notorious for offenses as mistakes and penalties pile on, yet the Trojans were able to overcome the odds. They only committed a total of three penalties, two of which were on the offensive side of the ball.
The first was a false start by center Tobias Raymond in the first quarter, an understandable one for first play jitters. The last was a delay of game in an effort to run the clock in the final minute of regulation.
“Great team victory. I think the new sound system over there back at home [Bloom Football Performance Center] was super helpful to play in a hostile environment like this,” Maiava said about the offense’s preparation for the loud crowd. “Credit to our fans for showing up. The guys handled it well.”
What makes the feat even more impressive is the offensive line Maiava had to work with. Veteran left tackle Elijah Paige entered Week 6 as a game time decision. Ultimately Paige would be unavailable for the game, making way for true freshman Vlad Dyakonov to step in. Fellow freshman Kannon Smith stepped in for Hayden Treter, who missed last week, as well.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt’s Big Play
After a disappointing outing in Week 5 versus Washington, it seemed as if the freshman wideout would get back on track with a huge 18-yard reception to move the chains on fourth-and-five in the opening drive. Instead, Dixon-Wyatt was only targeted two more times in the second half – an incompletion and a 10-yard touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, the Trojans were leading the Nittany Lions 24-23. They had made their way down to Penn State’s 10-yard line facing third-and-ten. A score here was crucial. From the right side of the field at the slot, Dixon-Wyatt made his way across the field and into the end zone for the touchdown.
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“Yeah, just a great week of preparation. Kayden just trusted it, stayed in it and I told him ‘Be ready for it when it comes,'” Maiava said about the play.
Receiver Trent Mosley, who missed three consecutive games due to a knee injury, came back like he never left. He finished the night as Maiava’s No. 1 target – nine receptions for 111 yards and a score. Sophomore Tanook Hines, who talked a big game during the practice week, finished seconds with four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Maiava and the Trojans will now get a much need break in Week 7 (bye week). They will be back on the road against the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 24.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/usc as Jayden Maiava Credits One Feature of USC’s New Facilities After Penn State Win.
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This story was originally published October 11, 2026 at 5:59 AM.