LOS ANGELES — Here are some takeaways from USC’s spring football game, won by the defense by the score of 42-34.
Defense remains shaky
Let’s get this part out of the way, shouldn’t we?
The USC defense was always going to be the unit that received the most scrutiny in the spring game after an offseason wondering if it could fix all the problems that existed in 2022. So when the USC offense drove 75 yards in three plays on the opening series of the game, it spelled trouble for Alex Grinch’s beleaguered unit.
The Trojan defense posted just one three-and-out in the first half, on the second drive of the game. The next drive, USC trotted out its first-team defense against the third-team offense. A nice matchup to boost the confidence and perception of the D, right?
Except that the third-team O-line mashed USC’s defensive front to set up a 45-yard carry by freshman running back Quinten Joyner. Only two Mason Murphy false starts allowed the defense to escape allowing only a field goal.
This isn’t to say the defense didn’t have its moments. Jacobe Covington picked off two passes in the end zone, and Christian Pierce intercepted a Malachi Nelson floater along the sideline. And the defense started the second half strong, with Anthony Lucas, Jamil Muhammad and Raesjon Davis putting pressure on the quarterback.
But by that time, the USC offense had pulled most of its starters. The only starting offensive lineman in the game was Jonah Monheim, who was experimenting at center after starting at right tackle.
So, yeah, there’s still more for USC to address on the defense. Especially on the interior of the defensive line. But with the transfer portal about to open, USC has opportunities to do just that.
Still, head coach Lincoln Riley felt positive about the development of the USC defense this spring.
“The difference in the front-seven is noticeable,” Riley said. “You see, Year 2, some of these guys start to take off and all of a sudden…
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