USC Football News: Lincoln Riley is Bullish About His Team's Defense in 2023
When the Trojans hired head coach Lincoln Riley from the University of Oklahoma in November of 2021, one thing became clear: the offense will be the best in the country. Riley is known for his offensive brilliance, and it didn't take long for the Trojans to let it be known to the entire country.
USC ranked number three in total offense, putting up 41.1 points per game (#5), 506.7 yards per game (#3), 7.0 yards per play (#3), and 0.57 points per play (#6). The offense was a well-oiled machine poised to do the same or even better in 2023.
However, the other side of the ball, the defense, was the exact opposite. The Trojans ranked among the bottom in many defensive categories, including opponents' points per game (#81), opponent yards per game (#101), and opponent yards per play (#119). Yeah, it wasn't pretty for the Trojans; we know it, the experts know it, the fans know it, and so does Riley.
That was last year's know, though, and the man at the helm believes things will be a ton better in 2023 on the defensive side of the ball.
"We're never going to settle for any expectation lower than the past," Lincoln Riley said last month. "That's not how we're wired. But at the same time, you also understand that some building has to take place. Not every leak can be plugged. We tried to plug as many as we could, but not every leak can be plugged in one year. We're going to continue to take strides, and with the group of guys that we have, I certainly wouldn't count us out.
The only way to go is up, right? It can't get any worse, and they can't afford it if they want to be among the best teams in the nation.
USC has retooled in a big way via the transfer portal and recruiting; however, some returners will also play a vital role, including safety Calen Bullock, who is among the best secondary players in the country.
Riley spoke highly of his secondary and believes they will be a force to be reckoned with.
"Calen Bullock was first-team All-America on several lists and has a chance to be a really great player for us in the secondary. Jaylin Smith certainly fits in that role, along with Jacobe Covington. I could go down the list, and then we brought in a ton of guys. We've really added a lot of new, exciting personnel. We can't wait to watch them perform."
The offense is going to be fine; everyone knows that. The defense will be key for how far the Trojans go, and we can't wait to see how they perform and if they have improved.
