The USC Trojans‘ new conference, the Big Ten, is known for its physical play along the offensive and defensive lines. One of the biggest questions for USC has been whether or not they will be able to match that physicality at the line of scrimmage, especially with Caleb Williams gone to the NFL.
In Lincoln Riley’s two seasons with the team, the defensive line has struggled mightily, even to Pac-12 competition. The offensive line was one of the best units in the nation in 2022 but dropped well off by the next year.
Can the USC Trojans Improve Along the Line Of Scrimmage To Compete?
Former NFL quarterback and current SEC analyst Greg McElroy went on The Colin Cowherd Podcast and questioned if the USC Trojans have the right mindset to compete for a National Championship.
I don’t know if they practice the way they need to practice to be as good along both lines of scrimmage to compete for championships. That’s the only question. Will [Riley] be too proud to adjust the amount of full contact periods that they. Will they do some things offensively in a drill setting that might give the defense a slight advantage. Will they do things like that to help attract more defensive personnel and to create a tougher more physical mindset.
Because, I saw last year they were a little banged up in the spring (this was spring of 23) they said after nine practices, ‘yeah we’re good. We’re just going to do walkthroughs or whatever. At Georgia, they say ‘I don’t care if we have managers putting helmets on we’re practicing.’ So I think that’s the mindsett hat I’m just a little concerned about.”
The USC Trojans have made wholesale changes to their defense and defensive coaching staff. In one of the highest profile names to be added was to address the defensive line, long-time Rams DL coach, Eric Henderson. They also brought in new linemen Gavin Meyer and Nate Clifton via the transfer portal. They were also able to appease Bear Alexander, who was rumored to be interested in entering the portal.
On the offensive line, they failed to secure any offensive lineman transfers and lost five. Josh Henson will return for his third season with USC football.
The USC Trojans will kick off their season in Las Vegas on Sunday, September 1st when they take on the LSU Tigers.
