2 aspects USC fans wanted to see showed up big time in Missouri State win

Two of the major aspects that USC fans have wanted to see over the past seasons were the run game and an improved defense. While there was not a student body right sighting at the Coliseum on Saturday, the two elements that have been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism under coach Lincoln Riley showed up in a majorly positive way during the 73-13 win against Missouri State.

Sticking first with the run game, the top three Trojan running backs on the depth chart ran for 90 yards and 15 combined carries. That is good for 6.0 yards per attempt. The three running backs in question are Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders, and Bryan Jackson. 

There are many USC fans who would like to see Jackson featured more. The two Trojan newcomers, however, showed why coach Lincoln Riley brought them to Troy.

A lot of their attempts were via a quick pass behind the line of scrimmage. While the screen game is not necessarily a conventional run type. The way the play-calling was utilized against the Bears in effect functioned as a run and could continue to be an important part of the offense moving forward.

Even in more conventional sets, Jordan in particular showed the ability to be elusive and displayed the skill set to be able to practically pick up any short-down distance.

To see someone like King Miller then come in for a 75-yard house call can only further excite about the offensive line's ability to spring a ball carrier free.

Continued strides from USC defense

Defensively, it has to be said that coach D'Anton Lynn has taken yet another step with this Trojan unit. Missouri State did well to get on the scoreboard a couple of times, but for the most part the defense looked like a side of the ball that is going to be ready to dictate terms rather than being reactive.

When also considering that a lot of the injuries heading into the game were on defense, USC is in a good position to be that much better than what they were in 2024.

The offense has explosive potential on every down. It will be up to the defense to give the ball back to Jayden Maiava a couple of times and to make sure that other teams have to earn six. Overall, though, it was great seeing the continued development and improvement from coach Lynn's unit.