The USC Trojans begin their much-anticipated 2023 college football season on Saturday against San Jose State. Fans and analysts are discussing what a successful home opener looks like. Let’s dive into this conversation.
Obviously, the avoidance of significant injuries is something USC and every team needs from a first game. In terms of more specific keys — what we want to see from the game flow and from the roster — two goals stand out above other legitimate needs for the Trojans.
The first really important goal is to win the game by halftime or at least the first few minutes of the third quarter. Make sure this game is done and dusted as early as possible so that the backups can get a lot of work and the coaching staff can evaluate a lot of players.
Alex Grinch needs to see a lot of defensive players on the field so that the teaching process can accelerate through the early part of the season. Lincoln Riley needs to give Miller Moss and Malachi Nelson ample work so that they’re ready in case Caleb Williams gets hurt, and more centrally so that they will develop before 2024, when one of the two will lead this team into the Big Ten.
The second big goal for USC against San Jose State: Demonstrate improved physical toughness on the defensive line. Stop the run game. Don’t get bullied. Establish a new standard for run defense which can set a new tone for this defense in 2023.
We talked more about these goals with Mark Rogers at The Voice of College Football:
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