The similarities between USC football and LSU are legion. Each sport has a high-profile coach entering their third and pivotal season. Both look to replace Heisman-winning quarterbacks on offense. And both had terrible defenses in 2023.
USC and LSU each have new defensive coordinators, as well. And each benefit from a slew of new talent via the transfer portal.
3 Freshmen To Defend Against USC Football’s Offense
USC’s defense will take full advantage of those transfers putting six of them in starting roles. But LSU will rely on a few freshmen to start against the Trojans.
LSU head coach, Brian Kelly spoke with reporters and offered insight into his defensive game plan. The coach mentioned that three freshmen would play against Lincoln Riley’s formidable offense.
Kelly said that defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux would get playing time early on in the game. He also added that cornerback PJ Woodland and safety Dashaen Spears would play a role in Sunday’s game in Las Vegas.
The Tiger secondary in particular features several young and inexperienced members. Sophomores Ashton Stamps and Jordan Allen are high in the depth chart as well. Along with just being in their second season, they also have limited game experience. Stamps played significant snaps in just five games last season and Allen played fewer than 100 snaps all season.
While the secondary may be exploitable for USC Football, they will have to contend with an excellent tandem of pass rushers. Bradyn Swinson and Harold Perkins Jr. combined for 46 pressures and eight sacks. Keep an eye on the Tigers sophomore edge rusher, Da’Shawn Womack as well. As a freshman, he racked up eight pressures on just 79 defensive snaps.
The Tigers and Trojans will kick off from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET. LSU is a 4-point favorite at BetOnline.
