USC Trojans:
For all of his successes as a coach, Lincoln Riley has no College Football Playoff wins. And he’s unlikely to get one this season, either. USC is switching to the Big Ten, which has stronger defenses than the old Pac-12 and at least three better teams (Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State). The Trojans will be competitive and contend for a title if everything goes right, but everything must go right for a team with a new quarterback and a rebuilt defense that needed a major makeover.
Offense
If the Holiday Bowl was an indication of what’s to come and not a fluke, it’s Miller time for the Trojans. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 draft pick by the Bears and a former Heisman winner, will likely be replaced by redshirt junior Miller Moss. In the bowl win over Louisville, Moss passed for 372 yards and six touchdowns. If he falters, UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava is waiting to take the job. USC always has speed and playmakers, and sophomore Zachariah Branch is ready to bust out as a star after emerging as a dynamic kick returner a year ago. Woody Marks, a veteran transfer from Mississippi State, is the top running back. While the line has a few question marks, Riley can be counted on to coach up the offense.
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Defense
A beleaguered defense that surrendered 34.4 PPG will be much improved due to the hiring of coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who worked wonders at UCLA. The Bruins went from 87th to 11th in total defense in one year. Riley not only hired Lynn, he snagged former North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz to be linebackers coach. Lynn inherits some talent, starting with tackle Bear Alexander and senior middle linebacker Mason Cobb. Lynn also brought safety Kamari Ramsey from the Bruins and lured Oregon State transfer safety Akili Arnold. Are the offensive and defensive lines tough enough to win at the highest level in the Big Ten?
Outlook
One of the nation’s most difficult schedules will make reaching eight, nine or 10 wins extremely tough to do. The Trojans open against LSU in Las Vegas and face road trips to Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland and Washington. The home schedule is highlighted by Penn State, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Notre Dame. It’s not too much to ask of USC to win eight games, but pick here is a lean to 7-5, so this is not a bet.
Pick: Under 7.5 Wins
