Can USC Trojans Overcome Injuries To End Three-Game Losing Streak?

The USC Trojans are on a three-game losing streak with injuries piling up on a short week of preparation for Rutgers on Friday night. USC defensive end Braylan Shelby has been a bright spot for the defense and revealed how the Trojans can win and turn this college football season around.

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (34) celebrates after Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) (not pictured) is sacked during the third quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

It was a tough week for the USC Trojans, not only did they drop their Oct. 19 game vs. Maryland 29-28, but they could be missing key contributors due to injury for their Friday matchup vs. Rutgers.

However, despite the injuries piling up at Southern Cal, it seems the team isn't too worried. Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby said in a media availability session on Wednesday that if USC wants to turn it around, it starts with one word.

Execution.

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8)*walks off the field after Maryland Terrapins defense stopped the offense on downs during the second half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

"Just execution really, I mean that's the name of the game is execution at the end of the day. That's something we need to go out there and just get better at and finish. That's really a big thing for us, going out there and making sure we finish out games and get the (win) at the end of the day," Shelby said.

Due to injuries and mid-season redshirts, Shelby has seen an increased role in his newfound opportunities during his redshirt freshman season.

"It's next man up mentality for sure... I definitely utilized them (opportunities) to the best of my capabilities, there's definitely always room for improvement," Shelby said.

Shelby is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Terrapins. He had three tackles, which tied a season-high and boosted his total to 13 on the season. He showed why USC coaches are so high on the freshman defender, with his high tenancity and motor. Shelby only owns one sack on the season, but that's something he's been looking to change,

"Right now I'm really still focusing on getting to that quarterback, I mean I've been close a few times, but it's nothing like getting him on the ground," Shelby said. "My pass rush has been improving."

Oct 19, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (4) sacks Maryland Terrapins quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) during the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Trojans could be potentially missing out on defensive backs Kamari Ramsey, Jaylin Smith, and Jacobe Covington. USC coach Lincoln Riley said that they've made strides towards playing Friday, but there's still no guarantee. With the Trojans playing on a short week, it could be something to monitor going forward.

"We're hopeful, we're hopeful, they've all shown some positive signs. The short week is the challenge there," Riley said. "That's one of the big negatives to the short week is when you have a couple of guys that get dinged up, it's obviously a little less time, not to just get healthy, but then there's also the preparation standpoint."

The USC Trojans (3-4, 1-4 Big Ten) will host the Rutgers Scarlett Knights (4-3, 0-3) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 8 p.m. PT on Friday, Oct. 25.

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