UCLA Opponent Preview: USC Defense

UCLA will have an opportunity to reignite its success offensively against a vulnerable USC defense.

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (4) intercepts a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Defeating USC, even at home, is going to be no small task for UCLA, but it's more than possible.

In order to do so, the Bruins are going to have to thrive offensively, which they have a great shot at being able to do against a Trojans defense that has struggled as of late.

So far this season, USC is allowing an average of 364.7 yards per game, which ranks it 56th in the nation in total defense. In its last three contests, the Trojans have allowed an average of 373.0 yards,

USC is particularly vulnerable in the pass game, having given up an average of 232.7 passing yards per game so far this season.

Even on the ground, the Trojans have allowed an average of 132.0 yards per game, which should be promising for a UCLA team that fell off last week after having finally found its stride in the run game over its previous two contests.

USC does excel at getting to the ball, ranking fourth in the Big Ten in total tackles with 648.

The Trojans' defense is led by linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, who leads the team in tackles with 82. He also has two interceptions on the year.

Mascarenas-Arnold spent his previous three seasons at Oregon State, where he posted 107 tackles, seven for losses, 2.0 sacks and two interceptions in his final season with the Beavers.

In the secondary, the Bruins will have to worry about a familiar defensive threat in Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey, who is fourth on the team in tackles and second on the team in tackles for loss with six. He also leads the team in passes defensed and forced fumbles with five and two, respectively.

Ramsey transferred to USC this past offseason after spending two seasons with UCLA. He totaled 40 tackles, three for losses, four passes defensed and an interception for the Bruins last season.

USC's defense is one that should not be taken lightly, but it is one that UCLA can succeed against if it limits the mistakes and doesn't cause self-inflicted wounds.

Saturday's game is set for 7:30 p.m. PST, 10:30 p.m. EST.

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