10 preseason questions for Lincoln Riley's USC ahead of 2024 season
The 2024 season marks a new era for USC football. Long the centerpiece of the Pac 12, the Trojans open the season in the Big Ten.
It's also a substantial step up in competition, as the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan add to a formidable Oregon team in the Big Ten. The Trojans don't have to face OSU or Oregon, but here are 10 questions going into 2024 for USC.
Ten preseason questions for USC
#1 Are they ready for the Big Ten?
This is a brave new world for USC. In the last two years combined, they were a regular-season underdog just four times.
They could equal or exceed that in 2024 alone. It will be interesting to see how the Trojans handle a tougher league schedule added to a brutal non-conference slate.
#2 Is Miller Moss the answer at QB?
Caleb Williams was a once in a lifetime QB, and back-up Miller Moss now replaces him.
Is Moss good enough to at least approx Williams's lofty stature? If not, what does USC do next? UNLV's Jayden Maiva is a heck of an insurance policy. This situation bears keeping ane eye on.
#3 How will the RB snaps be handled?
Mississippi State transfer Jo'Quavious Marks is the apparent starter this fall. Backup Quinten Joyner had just 125 yards last year. Star frosh Bryan Jackson could be part of the solution. Marshawn Lloyd could be very difficult for USC to replace.
#4 Will Zachariah Branch explode as a receiver in 2024?
Branch, a talented sophomore, showed flashes of next world talent last season. A brilliant kick and punt returner, Branch also caught 31 passes for 320 yards. Given Branch's raw talent and athleticism, he could be a superstar in 2024. Watch out for him in the slot for the Trojans.
#5 Is the offensive line as good as expected?
USC topped 41 points per game over each of the last two years. Caleb Williams was part of that siutuation, but a gritty offensive line that opened plenty of holes had something to do with it.
USC returns three starters and moves former tackle Jonah Monehim inside to center. If the Trojans block as well as expected, they will be tough in 2024.
#6 How much can D'Anton Lynn improve the defense?
A season ago, USC allowed 34.4 points per game. It's a number new defensive coorindator D'Anton Lynn needs to improve. In its five losses last season, USC allowed 48, 34, 52, 36 and 38 points. Lynn's task is pretty simple: get those numbers down.
#7 Can the transfers fix the secondary?
A particular problem for the Trojans was pass defense. USC allowed 31 passing scores while recording just 7 interceptions.
Factor in 64% completions, and you're talking about a rough situation. This season, USC adds two UCLA starters and a starter each from Mississippi State and Oregon State. It will be interesting to see if they help.
#8 Can they beat LSU?
Week one is massive for USC, particularly with a trip to Michigan for their third game. Opening the season 1-2 pretty much puts the kibash on College Football Playoff dreams right out of the game.
The Tigers are also breaking in a new QB and added a new defensive coordinator. That feels like a possible 48-45 kind of shootout, and it will be intriguing to see which team is still standing at the end.
#9 What would be a successful first Big Ten season for this team?
Considering the non-conference schedule, an 8-4 season would be solid for this group. USC, at Michigan, Penn State and Notre Dame all look pretty rough. Trips to Minnesota, Maryland and Washington could also become potential upset losses. Eight wins is fine for USC.
#10 Is the Playoff a realistic goal?
This year, probably not. Meanwhile, if the Trojans can open 3-0, beating LSU and Michigan out of the gate, the talk will get much more compelling. The Trojans made a good hire in Lincoln Riley, but a playoff season in a tough league in their first year is a lot to ask.
What are your questions about this 2024 USC team? Share your concerns and thoughts below in the comments section: