USC Football: Opposing Defensive Coordinator Has Extremely High Praise For Trojans Running Back

High praise coming from Arizona State's DC Brian Ward

The USC Trojans started their conference play on the right note, embarrassing their long-time rival Stanford Cardinal in Week 2 before their bye week. 

They will take on the Arizona State Sun Devils for their first road game of the season. USC is a massive favorite, with the line at USC -34.5, according to Caseras Sportsbooks. The Trojans have all the momentum and are well-rested, riding high with their stacked roster. 

Much of it concerns their star QB, Caleb Williams, who is undoubtedly the best QB in the nation and conference. However, much of it could do with their backfield, particularly MarShawn Lloyd. Lloyd is in his first year at USC and the Pac-12, but that doesn't matter to Arizona State defensive coordinator Brad Ward, who had high praise for Lloyd. 

Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward called USC running back MarShawn Lloyd the best running back he's seen over the last two seasons in the Pac-12.

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) September 21, 2023

Lloyd has been a revelation for the USC backfield, combined with the likes of Austin Jones and freshman Quinten Joyner. 

Still, it's Lloyd who is the RB1, playing like it and proving Ward right with 25 carries, 195 yards, an average run of 7.8, and two touchdowns. 

That is some high praise from Ward, as there have been some great RBs in the past two seasons in the Pac-12. The likes of former Trojan Travis Dye, Oregon States Damien Martinez, Oregon Bukcy Irving, and Cal's Jaydn Ott. 

Lloyd is the real deal and has proven that in a short time. The Trojans will almost be unbeatable if he can continue this type of play. 

MarShawn will look to prove Brain Ward right, and he'll have a front-row seat to the show.