USC Blasts Arkansas State Behind Kessler, Madden

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Kessler passed for 236 yards and four touchdowns, Tre Madden rushed for 106 yards and a score, and No. 8 Southern California beat Arkansas State 55-6 Saturday night in its season opener.

Madden, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steven Mitchell Jr. and Oklahoma transfer Taylor McNamara caught TD passes from Kessler in the Trojans' first game since the official end of NCAA scholarship restrictions on the perennial power.

Kessler went 19 for 26 with no turnovers to begin his third season as USC's starter. Although he was sacked five times, the senior steadily led the Trojans to a 36-point lead before taking the fourth quarter off.

Chris Hawkins made an interception and recovered a fumble for the Trojans. Su'a Cravens also picked off a throw from Fredi Knighten, who went 8 for 23 for Arkansas State.

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