NFL
By: Brock Vierra
To say that the USC Trojans did not live up to their lofty expectations would be an understatement. The defense was awful, leading to the firing of Alex Grinch, Caleb Williams looked completely out of it due to poor offensive line play and Lincoln Riley’s second year in charge left some calling for his job. As they approach the 2023 finish line bruised and battered, they welcome ACC runner-up Louisville in the Holiday Bowl.
With a new year on the horizon and the reality that Caleb Williams has played his last game as a Trojan, Lincoln Riley and his staff have a lot of work to do to prepare not only for 2024 but their inaugural year in the Big 10. They’ve taken foundational steps with transfer portal acquisitions and the hiring of former UCLA DC D’Anton Lynn in the same role but there’s still a cloud of mystery surrounding the future of the Trojans.
The future is unknown. USC lost talent to the portal, their future non-conference schedule is a mystery and USC has yet to decide the future of their quarterback position.
Providing in-depth insight, I sat down with Trojans Wire contributor and longtime friend of my college football show, The College Football Forecast, Donovan James to get his thoughts on USC.
Let’s talk Trojans
Vierra: Thank you for joining us today Donovan. Let’s start with the defense. On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you grade the hire of D’Anton Lynn?
James: I would say a 7.5.
Vierra: What is the reasoning behind your assessment of Lynn’s hire?
James: He’s young, brings new energy, works hard, and can recruit his butt off.
Vierra: Are there any other coaches that you could see USC plucking from UCLA? Would any coach trade SC for Westwood?
James: Maybe Alex Grinch goes to UCLA, haha but no I don’t see too much of any staff changes happening.
Vierra: That’s a funny response unless you’re a Bruin. What are your thoughts on Lynn coaching USC in the Holiday Bowl?
James: I think it’s a good thing and a great offense to start against in Louisville as they’ve had recent struggles.
Vierra: The transfer portal period is in full swing. Teams across the country are making moves and picking up top talents. Are there any transfers that excite you?
James: So far Nate Clifton (DL from Vanderbilt) is the most exciting for USC so far.
Vierra: Any players in particular that you think USC should go after?
James: Yes, Marvin Jones Jr (OLB, Georgia) and Walter Nolen (DT, Texas A&M).
Vierra: With Caleb Williams opting out of the Holiday Bowl, how will USC manage their QB situation?
James: Miller Moss should get the nod for the bowl game with [Malachi] Nelson as backup.
Vierra: What is your 2023 Holiday Bowl prediction?
James: USC 34, L’Ville 28.
Vierra: Should USC worry about their move to the Big 10?
James: Yes they should it’s an upgrade conference-wise, tougher week to week.
Vierra: For their nonconference schedule, will USC and Notre Dame continue their long-standing rivalry?
James: Yes they should and will.
Vierra: In terms of non-conference scheduling, will USC consider scheduling Oregon State or Washington State?
James: I think maybe down the road they will it not in the near future.
I would like to thank Donovan James for his time. Check out the interview I did for him over at Trojans Wire. This is part one in a continuing college football interview series, only made available here at Team NBS Media. I will be interviewing sports writers, draft experts, coaches, support staff, and more, bring you the reader, insight into the ever-changing world of college football.
