STATE OF TROY

Welcome back Trojan fans! 316 strange days have passed since the final snap of the Holiday Bowl where USC was downed by the Iowa Hawkeyes. In this post we’ll look beyond pandemics and presidencies and their infinite variables to focus on the great gift of Trojan football, which returns to action tomorrow morning at 9am! As I have done a few times here on The Late Game, I’ll summarize my preseason feelings about our units, and give a schedule prediction for what promises to be an interesting year.

Thanks to all who follow along with my opinions and ramblings, I am thrilled to begin my 5^th season of USC coverage on The Late Game.

Offense

What we love: Kedon Slovis. Thrust into the role of starting quarterback after a first game injury for now Georgia Bulldog, JT Daniels, Kedon looks to build upon his freshman campaign. I expect his decision making to improve throughout the year and his natural talent will be on display all year.

What we like: The wide receiver depth. Plagiarizing directly from last years post, and editing some names, this unit is now led by veterans Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns. They are supported by standout Drake London and Bru McCoy, who will finally see action this year after a myriad of transfer and health issues.

What makes us nervous: The offensive line. Just as we have written before, our games will be won and lost in the offensive trenches. Our skill players potential will be inherently capped if we can’t get Kedon the time to find his guys deep downfield. On the same token, this offensive line must open up the gaps for Stephen Carr, Vavae Malepeai, and Markese Stepp to get to work. Those running backs, when healthy, can be a three-headed monster of their own, but health will be a concern all the way through.

Defense

What we love: Growing up. A once raw and young group has gained valuable game experience and looks to come together as a polished unit. Only one starting defensive player figures to be younger than a junior, and that young man is Drake Jackson. Jackson is a force to be reckoned with and should only build on his efficiencies this year.

What we like: Coaching Changes. Todd Orlando joins the USC staff to lead the defensive unit. He comes to South Central from Texas where he led the Longhorns for the past three years. His schemes and discipline will be a welcome change for the Trojan defense.

What makes us nervous: Overall discipline. USC has long been plagued by penalties on both sides of the ball, but this is essential to getting our defense off the field and getting Kedon and the offense back out there. If we avoid the free yardage, we will do ourselves a lot of favors.

Schedule Prediction

USC v. ASU – Win. USC welcome the Sun Devils into the Coliseum for what will be a prime quarterback battle. USC’s depth should prevail over a well-coached Herm Edwards team.

USC @ Arizona – Win. USC heads to Tucson in week two and should roll through the Wildcats with ease.

USC @ Utah – Loss. USC travels to Salt Lake for a cold game against the Utes. With Covid-19 bound to affect the team at some point, I think this game could be a challenge for the Trojans. Inclement weather and a reduced squad will hand us a loss on the road.

USC v. Colorado –  Win. Colorado has never beaten USC. With the game at home, we don’t see that changing.

USC v. Washington State – Win. This is a huge geographic advantage to have this game in L.A. USC should edge the Cougars in a good game.

USC @ UCLA – Win. Chip Kelly cannot seem to right the ship at UCLA, and in a rivalry game with potentially a lot to play for, USC will roll to a win.

To summarize, USC stands before a shortened season ready to prove to the nation they belong in the national conversation once again. We have all the tools to be right there at the end, and I can’t wait to watch.

FIGHT ON.