All eyes will be on USC this season. The Trojans begin play in the Big Ten. The much anticipated move will be a huge challenge for the Men of Troy, from travel logistics to on-field play against brand new opponents. The seat is starting to get warm for Lincoln Riley, as many analysts are predicting 2024 as his final season in LA. The Trojans were 11-3 in year one of Riley’s tenure and Caleb Williams won the Heisman. But Southern Cal took a huge step backwards in year two, losing five of its last seven games to finish a disappointing 8-5.
Can Miller Moss fill the shoes of Caleb Williams?
Redshirt junior Miller Moss takes over at quarterback for the departing Heisman winner. The 21-year-old Moss had a great debut in last year’s Holiday Bowl after Williams opted to sit out and prepare for the NFL Draft. Moss threw for a Holiday Bowl record six TDs in a thrashing of Louisville.
Can Riley finally field a decent defense?
Always Riley’s Achilles heel, USC is hoping a new hire from rival UCLA can turn the defense around. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn crosses town after a successful first year running the Bruins defense.
Can the Trojans improve from last year’s 8-5 disappointment?
It won’t get easier for USC and Lincoln Riley in the Big Ten. USC has conference games against Michigan, Washington and Penn State, as well as non-conference opponents LSU and Notre Dame.