State of Troy

Welcome Back Trojan Fans!

What a long, strange trip it’s been since the lights went out in the Coliseum on November 24^th when the Trojans fell to the Fighting Irish. On that night we saw glimpses of what could have been for a 5-7 Trojan team, that just never seemed to put it all together. Fans walked to their cars with more questions than answers. Some were certain that changes would be made from the top down while others worried that 2019 might be more of the same.

Fortunately, for all parties involved, it’s been a long much needed offseason and we can finally look ahead to the upcoming season.  It’s been a summer full of headlines, changes, and some tangible optimism for the Trojan faithful. In this year’s edition of my State of Troy I’ll provide a timeline of notable offseason events and why I’m excited about this team who returns to action this weekend.

• 11/24/18 – USC loses to ND becoming bowl ineligible for the first time since 2000, not including sanctions
• 11/25/18  – Lynn Swann recognizes program deficiencies in letter to fans, retains Clay Helton
• 11/27/18 – Offensive coordinator Tee Martin is fired among other assistant coaches
• 12/5/18 – Kliff Kingsbury hired at USC to become our new offensive coordinator
• 1/4/19 – Bru McCoy commits to USC
• 1/8/19 – Kliff Kingsbury leaves USC, hired as Arizona Cardinals head coach
• 1/24/19 – Bru McCoy transfers to Texas
• 1/30/19 –  Graham Harrell hired at USC, aims to simplify offense and install the “air-raid”
• 3/6/19 – Aaron Ausmus hired at USC, instills motto “Liftin Heavy, Eatin Thick” which receives praise from players
• 5/31/19 – Bru McCoy returns to USC, eligibility waiver pending
• 6/5/19  –  Chris Steele returns to USC, declared eligible on 8/7/19
• 8/2/19 – USC fall camp begins
• 8/19/19 – AP Preseason poll does not include USC in the top 25 for the first time since 2001. USC will play 4 of the 5 top 25 ranked Pac-12 teams
• 8/17/19 – Newly renovated Coliseum opens to fans for fall showcase
• 8/20/19 – Clay Helton names JT Daniels as starting QB, true freshman Kedon Slovis named backup
• 8/31/19 – USC kicks off against Fresno State

     *dates are approximate

As you can see, it’s been a roller coaster for the program but one that is following an upward trend. In a certain sense, we had to tear it down to rebuild a stronger foundation and there is no doubt we have the athletes on this team to bring us back to where we so proudly belong. Let’s take a glance at the units and what we like about each one, and what gives us some pause before we start dreaming of Roses or CFP selection shows.

Offense

What we love: The wide receiver depth. Led by Michael Pittman Jr. this group is bolstered by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns, Velus Jones Jr., and Devon Williams. They are supported by the sound play of John Jackson III, Freshmen Munir Mclain, Drake London, and hopefully a healthy and eligible Bru McCoy.

What we like: JT Daniels returning as starting QB. Now entering his second season, which should really be his first, JT is more mature and set up to work in an offense that should reward him. He’ll face pressure to keep the job, but I expect good things from the signal caller.

What makes us nervous: The offensive line. A sore spot in recent years for this program, fans are excited for some new faces in the trenches but the group proved to be disappointing in the fall showcase. This unit will be pivotal in determining our results.

Defense

What we love: The defensive line. The defensive line will be led by Christan Rector and Jay Tufele returning to provide a veteran presence up front. They will play alongside freshman Drake Jackson who has been lauded for his aggressive play and ability to meet the ball behind the line of scrimmage. A strong edge rush will help aid our young secondary.

What we like: The linebackers. This group is led by John Houston Jr. who has moved the Mike linebacker position and will play alongside Jordan Iosefa and Kana’i Mauga. Palaie Gaoteote IV figures to have a good role and do not sleep on the name Ralen Goforth who wears #19.

What makes us nervous: The secondary. A young, but wildly athletic group comes together competing for the starting jobs at corner and safety. Talanoa Hufanga, at safety and when healthy, is one of the best players on the field. If he is truly 100% after two collarbone surgeries last year, we can expect big things. The addition of Chris Steele should not be understated while Olaijah Griffin has showed a lot of promise and discipline in his second camp. If this group can limit the interference calls and not give up the 35+ yard big plays, it will be a huge step forward toward winning close games.

Special Teams

What we love: Ben Griffiths. USC welcomes the 27 year old punter from Melbourne, Australia. A former professional Australian football player, Ben joins the team to give us the extra special team yardage that we desperately lacked last year. It is reported he is punting the ball a tremendous distance and doing so with good control and spin. We hope not to punt, but when we do, we seem to have our guy.

What makes us nervous: Formation and organization. Last year on more than one occasion USC was caught out of formation during special teams plays. Without being inside the headsets to know how that is happening, I am looking for a major improvement from the coaching staff as a whole to get it together and execute these plays.

USC once again finds itself in a position to write its’ own story. Will the program begin to become an afterthought on College Gameday mornings? Or will it roar back to glory, packing the new stadium with Cardinal and Gold and restoring the proud traditions of what it means to be a Trojan? The stage is set for this team, and these fans, to write the next chapter and when the call comes in on August 31^st, we’ll be ready.

FIGHT ON.

 

*sources include uscfootball.com, espn.com, LA Times, CBS Sports, Associated Press