The USC defense has opened the season with something it can hang its hat on: no points allowed in the first or second quarters through two games. That streak will be on the line Saturday night in the Coliseum when Louisiana comes in from La. to L.A., and Ryan’s first key for Lincoln Riley’s Trojans is simple - keep it going.
The Ragin' Cajuns arrive after a blowout of Lamar last weekend, with quarterback Lunch Winfield expected to be a central part of the plan. He brings mobility, and that gives Gary Patterson’s defense a different kind of test before USC heads into Big Ten play.
If the Trojans can keep Louisiana off the board before halftime, it would mark a historic start for the Men of Troy. Going back to 1994, no USC team has opened with three straight first-half shutouts.
Ryan’s second key is all about the run game finding a spark. Through two games, USC hasn’t produced a single rush of 20 yards or more, and that lack of explosive plays has stood out. The expectation is that this week’s work has put that issue front and center, with Waymond Jordan, King Miller or one of the younger backs potentially breaking loose for a couple of big gains.
The third key calls for one play from the secondary and one from the edge rush. USC already checked both boxes against Fresno State, with Prophet Brown grabbing an interception and freshman Jadyn Ramos recording a sack.
But those moments came in different forms - Brown’s pick was basically an arm punt, and Ramos’ sack arrived with just seconds left as the shutout was sealed. Against Louisiana, the ask is for a cleaner version: a real takeaway in coverage and a disruptive hit on Winfield in the backfield.
In Other News...
USC's Defensive Line Is Rising And Jide Abasiri Is A Big Reason
Jide Abasiris rise has become one of the quieter but more important developments for USCs defense this season. The junior defensive lineman has shown steady progression, earned a leadership role and was named a team captain, a sign of how much trust the Trojans have placed in him. Lincoln Riley has praised Abasiris versatility and strength, and the impact he can have on opposing offenses, which matters for a unit that is still trying to establish itself as a consistent force.
For USC, Abasiris emergence is about more than early-game production. It speaks to a defensive front that is getting better with players who keep building on what theyve shown, and to a veteran presence who is still pushing for more. Abasiri has already given the Trojans meaningful snaps and value up front, and the next question is how much more he can add as the season moves along. [Read more 🡒]
USC May Need To Rethink One Freshman Backs Role
Deshonne Redeaux has only flashed in limited action so far, but the freshman running back has already given USC enough to think about. In two games, he has turned 4 carries into 33 yards and a touchdown, a small sample that still hints at why the Trojans have liked his speed and playmaking ability since he arrived.
For a backfield that values depth, Redeaux looks like the kind of player who could earn a larger role if the staff keeps looking for more juice in the run game. He is still early in his college career, and USC appears to view him as part of the long-term rotation, but the way he has handled his chances raises a familiar question for a young offense: how long can a useful weapon stay in a limited lane before the Trojans find a way to use him more? [Read more 🡒]
USC Has A Chance To Build Serious Momentum With Key Recruit
With one more non-conference game left before the schedule tightens, USC will have a notable recruiting visitor on hand at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Three-star 2028 running back Malaki Davis of Corona Centennial is expected to be in attendance for the matchup with Louisiana, giving the Trojans another chance to make an impression on a prospect they already view as a top target.
Davis has USC sitting as the frontrunner in his recruitment, and the visit comes as the staff continues to build early momentum in the 2028 class. Quarterback Trey Wright is already committed, and the Trojans are pushing for more offensive talent around him, with Davis also planning additional stops, including a trip for the Ohio State game. [Read more 🡒]