Last season of the USC Trojans finished 4-8 overall and 3-6 in the Pac-12. However, USC is expected to have an excellent season in 2022 under new head coach Lincoln Riley who moved to Southern California from Oklahoma. The Trojans have been given a 9.5 wins total projection by odds makers.
The USC offense will be led by quarterback Caleb Williams, who last season passed for 1,912 yards with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions and rushed for 442 yards and six TDs. Last season, Williams shared duties with Kedon Slovis but Slovis has moved on to Pitt and the QB job is Williams' alone. The offense will be up-tempo and high-octane under head coach Riley.
Jordan Addison joins USC from Pittsburgh after last season catching 100 passes for nearly 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns. Mario Williams is another transfer joining the USC receiving corps. In addition, former Colorado receiver Brenden Rice joins the mix. Tahj Washington returns from last season after making 54 catches as does Gary Bryant who had seven touchdown receptions. Travis Dye has joined USC from Oregon and will be the top running back.
While the USC offense is expected to be one of the nation's best, the defense must step up if the Trojans hope to win the Pac-12 title. USC allowed over 409 yards and 32 points per game last season but is expected to be much stronger in 2022. Tuli Tuipulotu will be the top defensive lineman at tackle and will be joined by defensive end Nick Figueroa and Romeo Height a talented pass rusher, who transfered to USC from Auburn
USC will use a 4-2-5 alignment with Ralen Goforth and Shane Lee the two starting linebackers while former Arizona State linebacker Eric Gentry will see plenty of action as well. The secondary will have Colorado transfer Mekhi Blackmon and Oklahoma transfer Latrell McCutchin as the two starting cornerbacks. Xavion Alford will start at one of the safety positions while Calen Bullock, who made 40 tackles last season, will be the other starting safety.
Free NCAAF Pick:
Over 9.5