Georgia
USC Trojans Betting Odds vs. Georgia Southern: Clay Helton Returns to Coliseum
The USC Trojans are coming off a massive victory against the Missouri State Bears, 73-13. It was the highest-scoring game for the program since 1930. It was a statement win for USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans, who opened up the season 1-0.
Moving forward, the USC Trojans will take on the Georgia Southern Eagles, who opened up the season with a 42-14 loss against Fresno State. Riley and the Trojans came out firing in week one, but they must keep up the momentum into the next game.
The USC Trojans are 24.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook against the Georgia Southern Eagles at L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
The USC offense opened up just as the team had hoped it would. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava started the season just as he had left off, with a big performance. In the first half, Maiava went 15-of-18 for 295 yards and two touchdowns. He threw no interceptions, which is something that he had to improve on heading into the season.
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was a big target, finishing the game with seven receptions for 90 yards. Wide receiver Jakobi Lane had just three receptions for 33 yards.
One of the biggest players in the Trojans’ receiving game was tight end Lake McRee. He played in 10 games, but with his injuries, it was unclear how he would perform. The USC tight end showed he will be a big playmaker for the offense this season.
Freshman running back King Miller showed the college football world that he has immense potential after his first game with USC. He had four carries for 80 yards and one touchdown. He also caught one pass, taking it for 73 yards and a touchdown.
The offense finished the game with nine touchdowns, with eight different players scoring. The team showed that despite how the 2024 season went and the number of transfer portal departures, the Trojans have talented depth.
“I like the mix of talent. I think it’s the most talented, well-rounded group that we’ve had,” Riley said after the game. “So, there’s no question we’re gonna need all of those guys.”
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The USC defense allowed just one touchdown, which came in the second quarter. Missouri State quarterback had a couple of good passes to drive downfield. Aside from that, the USC defense did not allow the Bears to get anything going on offense.
The Trojans’ defense racked up five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. This was without freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, who is coming in with high expectations. Defensive end Braylan Shelby led with two sacks and will be an exciting player to watch moving forward.
USC defensive backs Bishop Fitzgerald and Garrett Pomerantz both had big interceptions. Fitzgerald had one for 39 yards and scored a touchdown. Pomerantz did not have a pick-six, but returned his interception for 37 yards.
The Georgia Southern Eagles started the season off with a tough loss against the Fresno State Bulldogs. The Eagles started the game well, heading into halftime with a 14-13 lead, but could not get into the end zone in the second half.
Eagles quarterback JC French finished the game with 158 passing yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw one interception. Wide receiver Camden Brown led the team with four receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown, but Josh Dallas was another big target, with five receptions for 48 yards.
The run game struggled to get much going with 84 total rushing yards. Running back OJ Arnold led the team with nine carries for 41 yards.
Defensively, Georgia Southern did not record any sacks, but did have two interceptions, caught by defensive back Chance Gamble and linebacker Brandon Tyson.
USC is once again opening as massive home favorites. If the Trojans can start the game strong, they can control the game and start the season 2-0.
The USC Trojans and Georgia Southern Eagles will kick off on Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. PT at L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
Athlon Sports projected the best SEC games for each week of the 2026 regular season.
The conference features some of the most compelling matchups in all of college football, from opening weekend through rivalry week. The selections emphasize games anticipated to have the biggest impact on the SEC championship race and College Football Playoff picture.
Florida’s annual clash with Georgia was tabbed as one of the SEC’s premier fixtures. The game has grown in national significance since it began in 1904, continuing as a battle of blue-blood programs that routinely produces iconic results. The game temporarily moves to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta during the Jacksonville stadium renovations.
The Jon Sumrall era carries with it an increasing sense of belief — many experts see the Gators as a dark-horse CFB playoff contender. Regardless of its final win-loss record, UF will play a part in shaping the season’s narrative as they face several post-season favorites in Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma.
Noted in the article is the SEC’s depth and newly implemented nine-game conference schedule. Georgia, Texas, Alabama and LSU appear multiple times on this list, with Georgia facing Alabama in Week 6 and Ole Miss in Week 10 while LSU hosts Clemson in Week 1 and will see Texas in Week 11 take on Alabama.
Many contenders from the SEC face multiple nationally relevant foes over the course of the season.
Athlon Sports’ Best game for every week of the 2026 season
- Week 1: Clemson at LSU (Sept. 5)
- Week 2: Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12)
- Week 3: LSU at Ole Miss (Sept. 19)
- Week 4: Oklahoma at Georgia (Sept. 26)
- Week 5: Auburn at Tennessee (Oct. 3)
- Week 6: Georgia at Alabama (Oct. 10)
- Week 7: Alabama at Tennessee (Oct. 17)
- Week 8: Ole Miss at Texas (Oct. 24)
- Week 9: Florida vs. Georgia (Atlanta) (Oct. 31)
- Week 10: Georgia at Ole Miss (Nov. 7)
- Week 11: Texas at LSU (Nov. 14)
- Week 12: Texas A&M at Oklahoma (Nov. 21)
- Week 13: Texas at Texas A&M (Friday) (Nov. 27)
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The Georgia Bulldogs are expected to have one of the country’s best defenses again in 2026. Georgia has a lot of continuity from the 2025 defense and should be able to dominate many of their opponents this fall.
The Bulldogs defense will be led by potential All-American defensive backs KJ Bolden and Ellis Robinson. Georgia appears to be set at inside linebacker with the likes of Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, Justin Williams and Zayden Walker forming a formidable group.
Georgia’s defense is not without questions. The Bulldogs need defensive tackle Elijah Griffin to play like a star as a sophomore. Georgia has to get more pass rush production. UGA managed only 20 sacks a year ago and their top defensive transfer addition, Amaris Williams of Auburn, is expected to be out for the season. Georgia fans can all remember Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss running circles around the Georgia defense in crucial moments of the Sugar Bowl.
Outside of the pass rush, Georgia’s depth at outside cornerback is probably the Bulldogs’ second-biggest weakness. If Ellis Robinson gets hurt, then Georgia could be in trouble. Despite these concerns, Georgia’s defense should overwhelm weaker SEC opponents this fall.
Nose tackle
- Jordan Hall
- Xzavier McLeod
- Nnamdi Ogboko
Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Hall is a former five-star recruit with a significant injury history. His snaps will probably be limited at times this fall. Xzavier McLeod has improved in each of his two seasons at Georgia and should be one of Georgia’s top depth options in the defensive line rotation. Nasir Johnson is another big body to know up front at nose tackle.
Defensive tackle
- Elijah Griffin
- Josh Horton
- Nasir Johnson/London Seymour/Valdin Sone
Five-star defensive lineman Elijah Griffin is entering his second season and is looking to have a big year after making an impact as a true freshman. Josh Horton has plenty of experience, but Bulldog fans would like to see a bit more production. Another defensive lineman to know is freshman Valdin Sone, who is a five-star recruit.
Defensive end
- Gabe Harris
- Joseph Jonah-Ajonye
- Justin Greene/JJ Hanne
Gabe Harris has the size to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. Georgia needs him as a pass rusher. He missed the Bulldogs’ Sugar Bowl loss and spring practice due to a turf toe injury. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye is a former elite recruit.
Outside linebacker
- Quintavius Johnson
- Chase Linton/Isaiah Gibson
- Darren Ikinnagbon/Khamari Brooks/PJ Dean
Quintavius Johnson is expected to start after a promising 2025 season. Gabe Harris and Chris Cole will also see action at outside linebacker. One of these second-year players needs to step up: Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton and/or Darren Ikinnagbon. All have a lot of talent and are in for bigger roles after Auburn transfer Amaris Williams suffered an ACL injury in the spring. Freshmen Khamari Brooks and PJ Dean were both four-star signees.
Inside linebacker
- Raylen Wilson
- Chris Cole
- Justin Williams
- Zayden Walker
Once again, Georgia and coach Glenn Schumann have a stacked inside linebackers room. The Bulldogs will start two inside linebackers, but their backups will all play key roles. Chris Cole led UGA in sacks during the 2025 season. Cole and Zayden Walker are important pieces in Georgia’s pass rush. Raylen Wilson (knee) and Walker (shoulder) both missed the spring.
Georgia freshmen Nick Abrams has a lot of talent and veteran Terrell Foster is reliable, but they’re expected to be buried on Georgia’s depth chart along with redshirt freshman AJ Kruah.
Outside cornerback
- Ellis Robinson IV
- Demello Jones
- Braylon Conley/Gentry Williams
- Jontae Gilbert/Caden Harris/Justice Fitzpatrick
Georgia’s outside cornerback room is led by Ellis Robinson, who should be an All-SEC pick. The spot opposite Robinson should go to Demello Jones, but don’t rule out experience transfers Braylon Conley (USC) and Gentry Williams (Oklahoma). There is some concern about Georgia’s outside cornerback depth this season. Jontae Gilbert, Caden Harris and Justice Fitzpatrick all have talent, but Fitzpatrick did suffer a torn ACL in December.
Slot cornerback
- Khalil Barnes
- Rasean Dinkins
- Zech Fort
Rasean Dinkins did well in the SEC championship against Alabama, but not as strong in the Sugar Bowl. Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes is projected to start over him with Tyrique Green being another name to watch at star.
Free safety
- KJ Bolden
- Tyrique Green
- Jaylan Morgan/Jordan Smith
Georgia junior KJ Bolden should be an All-SEC pick. Four-star signee Tyrique Green is going to find a way on to the field this season.
Strong safety
- Rasean Dinkins
- Zion Branch/Ja’Marley Riddle/Kyron Jones
- Todd Robinson/Blake Stewart
Dinkins and Barnes will both likely start for UGA. Zion Branch, Ja’Marley Riddle and Kyron Jones should all see snaps with Jones’ health being a question.
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