NFL
By George Lopez
As the USC Trojans begin gearing up for training camp, fans are eagerly looking forward to the Trojans first year in the BIG 10 Conference. There is a lot of buzz and excitement surrounding the Trojans football team as head coach Lincoln Riley looks to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season that saw the Trojans finish with a record of 8-5. The season did end on a high note with a victory of Louisville in the Holiday Bowl.
Last season, the Trojans offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams average an impressive 41 points per game. With Williams off to the NFL, the Trojans will look to a new quarterback to lead Riley’s offense. Entering camp, Miller Moss leads in the quarterback depth chart. In his lone start last season, Moss passed for 372 yards and 6 touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl. The redshirt junior enters camp very familiar with Coach Riley’s offense and will look to continue to put up number similar to the numbers Williams put up with the Trojans.
A lot of eyes will be on WR Zachariah Branch. The sophomore should be expected to be the #1 target of Moss in the Trojans passing game this season. Branch brings a versatility not seen in some time at USC. Riley will have the option of using Branch out of the backfield, not just as a receiver out of the backfield. Look for Branch to be used in the running game as well this season. Branch is expected to be the main punt and kick returner for the Trojans special teams.
The ability to consistently run the ball will be a key to the Trojans success in the Big 10. The offense average 134 yards rushing per game in 2023 and will look to improve on that number. Anchoring the offensive line will be center Jonah Monheim. Redshirt freshman Elijah Paige enters training camp as the starting left tackle and will be looked upon to protect the blindside of Miller Moss as well opening up outside running lanes by forcing the opponent’s defensive line to the inside.
One of the big focal points for the Trojans in 2024 will be the play of their defense. Last season, the Trojans allowed 34 points per game, 121st out of 133 schools. The defense at times looked undisciplined and was out of position during key moments of games. During the season, Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch was fired and Trojans looked to bring in a new coordinator for the 2024 season. The Trojans hired D’Anton Lynn as their new defensive coordinator. Lynn comes over from crosstown rival UCLA and looks to bring an aggressive defensive system.
An area of focus for Lynn will be to improve the Trojans run defense. In 2023, the Trojans allowed 186 rushing yards per game. Under Lynn, UCLA allowed 80 rushing yards per game last season. Lynn will look to implement the same defensive schemes that were successful in stopping the run last season at UCLA. Nose Tackle Bear Alexander will look to lead a Trojans defensive line aimed at stopping the running game in the Big 10. Expected to play alongside Alexander will be Anthony Lucas and Nate Clifton, a transfer from Vanderbilt.
In the secondary, two transfers from UCLA, John Humphrey and Kamari Ramsey are expected to start for the Trojans. Akili Arnold, a transfer from Oregon St. is expected to start at strong safety this season. Jacobe Covington and Jaylin Smith will be looked upon to fill the 2 remaining starting roles in the Trojans nickel defense. Redshirt sophomore Zion Branch should be expected to see a significant amount of playing time in the Trojans secondary this season.
After the 2023 season, the Trojans football had questions to answer in terms of player personnel in bringing in the right coaches to help correct issues that plague the Trojans defense all season in 2023. With the hiring of D’Anton Lynn as the new defensive coordinator, there is an excitement buzzing around the football team among the Trojan faithful. Under Lincoln Riley, the Trojans offense will be expected to continue to play an exciting brand of football. The change in defensive philosophy has many Trojan fans believing the team will have a defense that will play complementary football, to the offense and USC will compete for the Big 10 championship in their first season in a new conference
