USC Football: Expert Assesses O Line's Amateurish Miscues Vs ASU
Week 4's lackluster USC performance proved that even some wins during the college football season can feel like losses.
Among many groups throughout the roster who underperformed, the offensive line's miscues followed a trend of lackluster play for most of the Trojans last weekend.
OFFENSIVE LINE: D Come on, boys. Playing in Tempe is not the same as playing in South Bend or Autzen Stadium. It was as though these players had never played a road game in their lives. The inability to function in front of a moderately loud crowd was jarring. Veteran offensive linemen should not be rattled by these surroundings. False starts, a few missed assignments, and inconsistent pass protection — Caleb Williams got hit several times — merit a bad grade. Good teams — good defenses — will eat up USC if we see this level of play later in the season. This wasn’t even average. It was definitely below average, and Josh Henson has to demand better.
The reigning Heisman didn't look nearly as comfortable behind his line after three dominant performances to start his 2023 campaign.
Difficulties to snap the ball on time, constant penalties and unclean pockets throughout the night made the game much closer than it had to be.
USC's first conference opponent still kept it competitive without their projected starting quarterback Jaedan Rashada thanks to running back Cameron Skattebo's impressive efforts all over the field.
Lincoln Riley's red zone offense also faltered and many wondered if this Trojans squad took their losing opponent too lightly out of their early bye week.
Nevertheless, the season presses on and the roster looks ahead to Colorado for their next contest this weekend.
Deion Sanders' polarizing Buffalo squad await Lincoln Riley and his roster in one of the most heavily anticipated matchups of the season.
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