I’m bullish on USC this season.
The previously horrendous defense should take a monstrous step forward behind new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who worked wonders at UCLA.
Lynn has transfer talent to work with at all three levels — including stud nose tackle Bear Alexander (Georgia transfer), linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (Oregon State) and safety Kamari Ramsey (UCLA).
Meanwhile, I don’t believe the offense will regress too heavily in Caleb Williams’ stead.
USC vs. LSU pick
New QB1 Miller Moss threw for 400 yards and six touchdowns in last season’s Holiday Bowl against Louisville, and the Trojans have the Big Ten’s most explosive downfield target (and punt returner) in Zachariah Branch.
Though the line still needs to come together, the Trojans’ offense shouldn’t have a problem against LSU’s non-existent defense.
The Tigers finished 124th in EPA per play allowed last year, blowing assignments left and right.
Though they have a new defensive coordinator (Blake Baker) and a stud front-seven defender (Harold Perkins), I’m unsure if their ceiling for improvement is as high as USC’s.
I have serious questions about the talent, especially in the defensive backfield.
LSU had the nation’s best offense last season, but the Tigers lost their Heisman-winning quarterback (Jayden Daniels) and two first-round draft choices at wide receiver (Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas).
Though the offensive line could be among the nation’s best, it’s reasonable to expect the Tigers won’t be nearly as explosive underneath new QB1 Garrett Nussmeier, who is far less mobile than Daniels, and an inexperienced skill-position group.
Betting on College Football?
At the minimum, Sunday could turn into a shootout, and I’m betting Moss and the Trojans can keep pace for 60 minutes.
The Trojans also hold a significant special teams advantage, which could make all the difference in a close game.
The play: USC +4.5 (FanDuel)
