We know plenty about the offensive firepower on the USC Trojans heading into the 2022 season.
However, there are a ton of questions about the defense. No matter how good the offense is, if the defense doesn’t step up, it could be a rough year for the Trojans.
Alex Grinch should change a lot on that end, and there’s a reason Lincoln Riley brought him over from Oklahoma.
Pete Fiutak of College Football News broke down the key for the Trojans’ defense this season:
Get the pass rush going right out of the gate.
Even with a slew of excellent next-level talents the plays in the backfield were lacking. Drake Jackson was fine, but he didn’t dominate for a defense that averaged just 1.75 sacks per game – by a mile the fewest in over ten years.It has to be far more consistent – 16 of the 21 sacks came in four games – and several parts have to emerge on the outside to help out Tuli Tuipulotu – who led the team with 5.5 sacks – in the interior.
The pass rush is key, and if they can get pressure on the opposing QBs (Cam Rising, DTR, etc), then the Trojans should win a lot of games this season.
If not, it could be a tough year for Riley and Company.
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