Perhaps the biggest question on the minds of USC football fans is what D’Anton Lynn’s defense will look like. Can he author yet again another miraculous defensive turnaround as he did with the UCLA Bruins one year ago?
Just as a reminder in 2022, the Bruins allowed 403 yards (Ranking 87th) and 29 points (Ranking 92nd) per game. With one season under Lynn, that improved to 301.5 yards (Ranking 10th) and 18.4 points (Ranking 14th) per game.
LSU Will See the New USC Football On Sunday
This Sunday will be the first time the USC Trojans defense will be able to put pen to paper, so to speak. Their first chance they can change people’s minds about the quality of their play.
“Until you have another real chance to show what you’re working on or how much better you’ve gotten,” said DE Jamil Muhammad, “what you did and what everybody saw is going to be on their minds until you change it.”
What isn’t in question is the level of talent Lynn has injected via the transfer portal. He brought with him defensive backs, John Humphrey and Kamari Ramsey from USC. They also added defensive backs Greedy Vance, Akili Arnold, and DeCarlos Nicholson. Defensive linemen, Nate Clifton and Gavin Meyer. As well as, linebacker, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold.
Six of those players are listed as starters on the USC Trojans depth chart.
2024 USC Trojans Depth Chart
This fact isn’t lost on the LSU offense. Louisiana State’s starting left tackle Will Campbell spoke to the team’s focus ahead of the game in Las Vegas;
“We know what we’re there for. It’s not to go to Caesars Palace,” said Campbell, “It’s to be in a fistfight.”
And he didn’t demure when talking about the game plan;
“We’re going to run the ball,” Campbell said with a long southern drawl. “That’s not something we’re trying to keep quiet.”
According to Mascarenas-Arnold, USC football is aware and prepared to stop 5th-year senior running back Josh Williams.
“We pride ourselves as being a run-stopping defense.”
Williams, who has over 800 yards rushing over the last two seasons, moves into the starting role for the first time in his career.
Lynn’s approach has been to simplify the defense and allow his athletes to make plays.
“I would say that’s the biggest thing,” linebacker Eric Gentry said, “just being able (to not) overthink or worry about doing your assignment, instead just make the play.