State of Troy

One foot in front of the other Trojan Fans,

This simple concept has proven incredibly difficult in the sports world since March 2020. On so many occasions it has felt that we have taken one step forward, and a few steps back. I would however like to take a moment to recognize those affected by COVID-19. It’s fair to say that we have all been affected, however it has been more traumatic for many than it has for others, and my thoughts are with them. In many ways, the steps forward and steps back have also applied to USC fans. We took care of business in 2020, albeit in less than perfect fashion. However, when it counted most and a Pac-12 title was on the line, we fell short and exposed the realities of the state of the program. In this annual preview, we’ll take a look at what we like, what we love, and what we are asking questions about as we head back to the Coliseum on Saturday.

What we like

• An experienced offensive line. This unit has been our Achilles heel in the past few seasons. Anchored by center Brett Neilon who returns as a redshirt senior with three other classmates by his side, this line has the ability and experience to protect our most treasured asset, Kedon Slovis.
• An experienced defense. USC returns 8 starters highlighted by #99 Drake Jackson. We are fortunate to have one of the nations best pass rushers on our team, and the addition of Korey Foreman will only open more avenues to the backfield.

What we love

• Kedon Slovis. Kedon was brilliant in 2019, before taking a slight regression towards the mean in 2020. This year he is reported to be feeling as good as ever. Don’t forget that he has thrown for 300+ in 7 of his last 10 outings. I expect he will fully embrace the leadership role and I can’t wait to see him command the offense.
• Drake London. Drake London is a true athlete. In fact he is a two-sport athlete, who at 6’5” spends time on the basketball roster as well. His ability to rise above defenders sets him apart, and despite the number of mouths that get fed in the Graham Harrell offense, take a moment to consider this stat:
  • In 2019, London appeared in 13 games, catching 39 balls for 567 yards.
  • In 2020, London appeared in 6 games, catching 33 balls for 502 yards. – INSANE.
  • With such high expectations also comes a unique set of challenges. He will receive double coverage from the conferences’ best DB’s, and with other star WR’s off to the NFL, he will have a lot to live up to. He’s more than up for it in my opinion.

• Larry Scott no longer running the PAC-12. That’s deserving of a whole other post, but changes for the better are on the horizon for the conference, and with new leadership they got a little closer.

What we are asking about

• The running backs. USC will not benefit from a stable of thoroughbreds as we have in the past. That’s not to say our backs are not talented, they certainly are. The issue is that beyond Vavae Malepeai, there is no clear standout. Vavae will earn most of the carries on a factor of experience, but this unit will be hard pressed to generate the clock killing drives which can often be the difference in putting opponents away in the 4^th.
• The penalties. Year and year out, a 15”x15” yellow handkerchief has thwarted Trojan production on both sides of the ball. At the root of the problem is discipline. Will this year’s teams show up play clean football? It remains a huge question.
• Clay Helton. Clay Helton is in rare company. He is among one of a few coaches who make the tabloid lists of coaches on the hot seat, annually. Clay was given a relative pass due to the short year in 2020 that came on the heels of the hiring of Mike Bohn. This season should serve as Clay’s final opportunity to perform. This program deserves and expects an elite level of success, and anything below that should be addressed swiftly.

USC won’t have it easy in 2021. Teams will adhere to Covid protocols, and there will inevitably be injuries. A robust schedule that takes us to South Bend, the Palouse, and sees us hosting Utah and UCLA will challenge the Trojans week in and week out. As we enter a new season, I am reminded through the notes above that we have the talent to meet the opportunity that lies before us. I cannot wait to make the left turn down the 39^th street freeway exit, feel the energy of the band walking through the tailgates, and step into the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon, one foot in front of the other. Trojan football is BACK, and so are the Trojan faithful.

FIGHT ON