By Jim Williams, Senior Columnist – Capital Sports Network
As the college football spotlight swings west, USC, Cal, and Stanford are all set to make compelling cases for national attention. With primetime matchups and high-stakes implications, these California powerhouses aren’t just chasing wins—they’re showcasing the depth and dynamism of their rosters. USC’s electric quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation’s top-scoring offense, flanked by a deep rotation of playmakers who’ve already found the end zone 13 times this season. Cal counters with a balanced attack, anchored by a gritty defense and emerging stars looking to extend early-season momentum against San Diego State. Meanwhile, Stanford heads east to face Virginia, where quarterback Ashton Daniels and linebacker David Bailey will be key in testing the Cardinal’s resolve under new leadership. Each team brings a unique identity to the field—but all share one goal: to impress voters and elevate California’s place in the national conversation.
MUST READS
USC vs. Michigan State
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM PT / 11:00 PM ET
- Location: United Airlines Field at L.A. Memorial Coliseum
- TV: FOX (National)
- Streaming: FOXSports.com/Live, Fox One, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube3 TV
- Radio:
- Los Angeles: ESPN LA 710 AM (with 2-hour pregame and postgame)
- National: SiriusXM (Channels 197, 198, 397 or app channels 959 & 960)
- Affiliates: KSZL AM 1230 (Barstow), KGU 95.1 FM / AM 760 (Honolulu), KSHP AM 1400 / FM 107.1 (Las Vegas), KJJZ-HD3 102.7 FM (Thousand Palms)
- Spanish Broadcast: USCTrojans.com/Listen and USC Game Day App
Cal at San Diego State
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM PT (tentative)
- TV: CBS Sports Network (check local listings)
- Radio: KGO 810 AM (Bay Area), SDSU flagship stations (TBD)
Cal looks to build on its early-season momentum with a road win against San Diego State. The Bears have shown flashes of offensive balance and defensive grit, and a win in Southern California would keep their bowl hopes alive heading into Pac-12 play.
Stanford at Virginia
- Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
- TV: ACC Network
- Radio: KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford), Virginia Sports Radio Network
Stanford travels east to face ACC foe Virginia in a cross-country clash. The Cardinal are still finding their rhythm under new leadership, but this matchup offers a chance to test their mettle against a rebuilding Cavaliers squad.
Closing Drive: USC Sets the Tone for Golden State Football
Saturday’s slate showcases the full spectrum of California college football—from Stanford’s ACC road trip to Cal’s in-state test at San Diego State. But all eyes will be on USC, where the Trojans can seize the spotlight with a decisive win over Michigan State. With national TV coverage, a roaring Coliseum crowd, and an offense that leads the nation in scoring, USC has the tools to turn heads and tighten its grip on the Big Ten race.
