College Football News provides the central key to the 2022 USC defense
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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