How To Make The USC Trojans’ Inexperienced Offensive Line A Strength

The USC Trojans‘ 2025 team has a lot of strengths. Many people viewed the offensive line as the biggest question mark heading into the season. 

Here, we look at some of the things the Trojans can do to get their young and inexperienced offensive line ready for the likes of Illinois, Notre Dame, and Oregon.  

Lincoln Riley’s USC Of GT Counter 

It’s hard to hit a moving target. Defensive linemen want to attack offensive linemen. 

Lincoln Riley and his version of the GT counter is a way for the o-line to neutralize the d-line. This is when the Trojans pull the tackle and guard to help the likes of Waymond Jordan and other running backs find room in the running game. 

Check Out Our Custom-Designed USC Trojans Merch HERE!

The GT counter creates space for the running game and passing game. It also delays pressure from the DL, who have to fight through moving OL.  

USC Trojans RB Quick Runs  

When Lincoln Riley gets a huge running play, you will see what I call quick runs. When the USC Trojans get a huge plus, they will rush to the line of scrimmage and back that up with another run. This allows the young line to be physical on a consistent basis.  

Play Action/RPO 

Pausing the pressures. Play action/ Run Pass Option helps the OL maintain blocking while the QB can scan his progression. 

Another staple of the Riley offense, which keeps rushing and blitzing linebackers at bay, not knowing if it’s a run or a pass.  

Screen Game 

Whether it’s a wide receiver screen or a halfback screen, running a screen pass is like throwing the perfect change-up after 4 consecutive 95 mph fastballs. It’s one of the most challenging things a team can do. 

Subscribe To Our USC Trojans LAFB YouTube Channel!

The defensive line comes crashing in, and the OL can get to the second level and smash people, like Justin Tauanuu did vs Georgia Southern. 

Slide Protection 

A QB can be a sitting duck in the pocket sometimes. But sliding the protection and moving the platform gives the QB and the offensive linemen a chance to move. 

Sliding protection can help with blocking a talented edge rusher or force him to chase the play and hopefully give the QB an easy completion.