Bend, don't break
USC's strong start to the season cannot go unnoticed
Trojan fans have a lot to be happy about — USC is undefeated through six weeks of the college football season and looks the best since 2017 when Sam Darnold was under center.
Following five dominant seasons coaching Oklahoma University, the Lincoln Riley transplant has been a dream come true; however, the Trojans are just satisfying their expectations.
Offensively, USC looks like the best offense in the nation when firing on all cylinders.
The wide receiving core is as good as advertised. The two-headed monster of Jordan Addison and Mario Williams has caused problems for defenses, and both have developed palpable chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams has exceeded expectations, throwing for 1,590 yards and 14 TDs, all while only committing one turnover. His 83 QBR ranks 11th in all college football, but the eye test shows all you need to know.
Williams has it, that x-factor. He possesses game-breaking potential and can create offense with his legs. Defenses struggle to take him down; his athleticism and agility make linebackers look foolish. He currently ranks third in rushing yards.
While Williams has struggled at times, specifically against Oregon St and Washington St, he has displayed resilience and grit in the face of adversity. The former Sooner is now a full-blooded Trojan.
Williams looks like a bonafide star destined for the NFL — the best part is he still has one more year of college.
But most importantly, the offensive line has stood tough and protected Williams. Without them, none of the Trojan victories would’ve been possible.
Perhaps the season's biggest surprise is the emergence of the Trojans’ run game. Running back Travis Dye has tallied 571 rushing yards and 6 TDs, with backup Austin Jones providing welcome assistance. Both Dye and Jones average over six yards per carry.
Simply put, without the contributions of Dye and Jones in crucial moments, the Trojans would not be undefeated.
On the other side of the ball, the Trojan defense has left much desired, yet they bend but not break.
It all starts with lineman Tuli Tuipulotu. He has been a monster and is destined for the NFL. Tuipulotu looks like former Trojan Troy Polamalu’s big brother.
Beyond Tuipulotu, linebackers Eric Gentry and Shane Lee sure up a solid front seven, and the secondary has been impressive behind defensive backs Max Williams and Mekhi Blackmon.
But the defense has struggled with defending the run and limiting big plays. Opponents have not yet fully exploited these weaknesses, but with games against Utah and UCLA on the horizon, fears of an upset are very valid.
Utah averages over 200 rushing yards per game, but what was once thought to be the biggest test of the season is no more. The only other undefeated team in the Pac-12 besides USC is none other than UCLA.
The Bruins have exceeded everyone’s expectations this year, beating tough opponents in Washington and Utah behind dual-threat quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and star running back Zach Charbonnet.
Their offense poses concerns for USC, and it would not be surprising to see the mighty Trojans fall short against their rival. It will be interesting to see if both teams remain undefeated going into their must-see TV November 19th matchup.
Regardless, Lincoln Riley and the Trojans have much to be happy about this season. They have both lived up to the hype and overcame adversity when tested.
The dreams of an undefeated season remain alive as long as the Trojans continue to bend, and not break.