USC Trojans Show 'No Panic' As Defense Battles, Beats LSU Tigers

The No 23. USC Trojans defeated the No. 13 LSU Tigers 27-20 on Sunday night in Las Vegas. One of the biggest storylines of the game was how well the USC defense played. With a new coordinator, scheme, and an injection of talent thanks to the transfer portal, this new Trojans defense reminded fans of past defensive dominance.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley with wife Caitlin Riley after the game against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The story of the 2023 season for USC was the defense, or rather lack of. With the No. 23 Trojans pulling out the 27-20 win over No. 14 LSU Sunday night, the most inspiring aspect of the win was the defense.  

In the post-game press conference, USC head coach Lincoln Riley was proud of the way his team stood tall throughout tough moments.

"When there was adversity, we didn’t panic as a football team,” Riley said. 

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Aaron Anderson (1) is tackled by Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Trojans opened the game off by forcing a turnover on downs after LSU made a 13-play, 74 yard and got down to the USC 3 yardline. On fourth and goal, the Trojans pass rush got to LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and forced an incomplete pass to turn the ball over.

At halftime, the game was tied 10-10, but USC was set to receive the kickoff to start the second half. After the Trojans were to punt to open the half, it was the defense who forced a quick three and out for the Tiger offense. USC responded with a field goal to give them back the lead 13-10.

The Trojans managed to come up with another huge stop midway through the fourth quarter. The USC defense forced another three and out and got the Tigers to punt with 6:57 left in the quarter. USC quarterback Miller Moss threw a 28-yard touchdown to Ja’Kobi Lane three plays later. 

One of the biggest gripes with last season’s defense was the explosive plays given up. Riley said he was pleased with the way his team limited them. 

“We battled all game long, we didn’t get up too many explosives, we got some big stops there,” RIley said.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A general overall view of helmets at the line of scrimmage as LSU Tigers offensive lineman DJ Chester (79) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Trojans only gave up two touchdowns throughout the game, one in each half. It was the defense who gave the offense time to find their groove before Moss got going late in the second half. 

Amidst all the storylines for this matchup was the tale of the sure-tackling by the USC second and third level of the defense. Multiple times throughout the game, it was players like Kamari Ramsey and Jaylin Smith who made open-field tackles to prevent those explosive plays from happening.  

USC forced three punts in the second half, with two of them resulting in Trojan scoring drives the next possession. With USC able to get a talented offense like LSU off the field that many times, in crucial moments of the game, it’s no wonder Lincoln Riley is licking his chops at what could be one of the best defenses he’s ever had.

Riley said that is a testament to the players on the field. 

“You could bring in really good coaches…run whatever scheme you want to run, but at the end of the day, these guys are going to trust and believe in it,” Riley said. “We have some outstanding players,” he added. 

With how well the Trojans played against a talented SEC opponent and limiting them to only 20 points, the future is looking promising for the USC defense.

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