Pac-12 Football - 2021 USC Trojans Preview
Our USC Trojans preview 2021 notes that last year this team won the Pac-12 South with a 5-0 record. They met Oregon for the conference title and lost that game 24-31. That was a tough loss for the Trojans, as they had just posted a perfect, albeit truncated, regular-season record. Although they fell short in securing the Pac-12 championship, USC certainly had a lot to feel good about. On offense, they scored 33.3 PPG (3rd Pac-12, 31st Nationally), recorded 319.3 passing yards per game (1st Pac-12, 11th Nationally), and totaled 416.7 offensive yards per game (4th Pac-12, 46th Nationally). Their one weak spot was rushing, as they accumulated just 97.3 YPG, which ranked 12th in the conference and 120th in the nation. On the other side of the ball, each unit proved to be a strength, as the Trojans allowed opponents just 26.0 PPG (3rd Pac-12, 46th Nationally).
USC Offense
Last year, as a sophomore, QB Kedon Slovis won first-team All-Pac-12 honors, as he led the conference in every major passing category. His 67 percent completion rate, 17 TD passes, and 320 passing yards per game topped the Pac-12. Yet, there’s more to come from Slovis. He has yet to reach his full potential. Two of the team’s most productive pass catchers are gone, leaving junior Drake London as the only returning starter in the receiving unit. Last season, London averaged 15.2 YPC, making 33 receptions for 502 yards and scoring three TDs. He’s joined by experienced Colorado transfer K.D. Nixon and Bru McCoy, a sophomore who last season emerged as a force. Senior tight end Erik Krommenhoek is a valuable outlet who can score and block.
Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram, a dual threat running back, gives this offense a new wrinkle. He’ll join returning super seniors Vavae Malepeai and Stephen Carr, creating a rushing unit that is deep and experienced. Last season, Malepeai rushed for 255 yards, averaging 4.4 YPA and scoring three times, while Carr ran for 190 yards, averaging 3.8 YPA and recording two TDs. The biggest issue last season was the USC O-line. Four-of-five starters return. This group must do a better job protecting Slovis and opening up lanes for the ground game.
USC Trojans Preview 2021 - Defense
Last season, the Trojans posted 16 takeaways and were +5, placing them third in the Pac-12 and 17th nationally. Eight starters return on defense, including senior DE Nick Figueroa who last season had 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3.5 TFL. Five-star recruit freshman Korey Foreman joins the group and should become an instant contributor. He’s versatile enough to play upfront or in the middle. Three-of-four return to the LB unit, including two-time All-Pac-12 OLB Drake Jackson. Jackson, the team’s most disruptive pass rusher, recorded two sacks, 3.5 TFL, and one pick. ILB Kana’I Mauga is the top returning tackler from last season with 41 while ILB Ralen Goforth was good for 38 tackles, three TFL, and two PBU.
In the secondary, free safety Isaiah Pola-Mao returns for his senior season after posting 40 tackles, 2.5 TFL, five PBU, and one INT. Texas transfer Xavion Alford starts at the other safety spot. Corner Chris Steele, who made 26 tackles while recording four PBU and one pick, starts again. The secondary is three and four deep and should provide excellent coverage.
Specialists
As a freshman last season, placekicker Parker Lewis was 23-of-23 on extra points and nine-of-13 on field goals. His longest was 48 yards. He returns as does punter Ben Griffiths. In 2020, Griffiths averaged 46.9 YPP, placing nine of his 18 boomers within the 20-yard-line. Our USC Trojans preview 2021 expects that Carr will bring back kicks and Nixon punts.
USC Trojans Preview 2021 - Projection
This Trojans team has a lot going for it on both sides of the ball. For the offense, an improved line would make a huge difference. Can they come through? Although the defense has lost some key players, our USC Trojans preview 2021 finds that there’s plenty of depth, experience, and skill that should enable this unit to shine once again. On October 23, USC visits Notre Dame. This game will be a major litmus test for the Trojans.
Pac-12 Football - USC Trojans 2021 - Predictions:
First Place - Pac-12 South
Alamo Bowl vs Oklahoma State