Five things for USC football fans to be thankful for in 2020

USC football fans should enjoy the Trojan stars when they’re shining

Happy Thanksgiving USC football fans!

It hasn’t been an ideal year for anyone with the COVID-19 pandemic throwing everything out of whack.

Still, there are still a million things to be grateful for in 2020. Here are just a few…

What should USC football fans be thankful for?

5. Bru McCoy

After an overly eventful 2019, Bru McCoy is now where he belongs: On the football field in a USC uniform making plays for the Trojans.

His first career touchdown sparked an epic comeback against ASU. He’s added a total of 13 catches for 142 yards on the season and his influence is rising by the game.

Consider what defenses have to account for when trying to keep Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns, Drake London and McCoy bottled up.

His transfer to Texas, transfer back to USC, mysterious illness and redshirt year are all in the past, thankfully. The future looks exceptionally bright.

4. Marlon Tuipulotu

Marlon Tuipulotu has always been a steady contributor for USC on the defensive line, but in 2020 he’s taken his game up a notch and more than made up for the loss of Jay Tufele.

Sporting his new No. 93 jersey, Tuipulotu leads USC in tackles for loss and sacks. He’s been a beast in the middle, setting the tone for a much improved defensive front.

More than anything, his emergence as one of the best linemen in the Pac-12 this year should remind Trojan fans of what they’ve been missing for the past few years. The contrast is stark and worth recognizing.

3. Kedon Slovis

No one thinks Kedon Slovis is at his best so far in 2020. His arm has become the topic of discussion after each of USC’s three games with broadcasters openly pondering what’s wrong during games.

Even so, he’s managed to lead the Trojans to three wins, including two exceptional comebacks.

It’s a rare quarterback who can overcome their own struggles to make plays with the game truly on the line.

So be grateful for Slovis while he’s still in cardinal and gold. It won’t last forever.

2. Alijah Vera-Tucker

How fortunate is USC to have Alijah Vera-Tucker back in the fold? Incredibly.

The offensive lineman had declared for the NFL draft, only to return to the Trojans once the 2020 season was given the green light.

Not only has he improved his draft stock considerably by successfully making the switch to left tackle, he’s been the only reliably thing about USC’s offensive line. Slovis doesn’t need to worry about his blindside because AVT is there protecting it. The value of that cannot be overstated.

1. The 2020 season

Has it been perfect? No. But at least the season means there’s USC football to watch. Without this season, fans couldn’t appreciate McCoy’s return, Tuipulotu’s dominance or Slovis’ late-game magic.

Through all the frustration, there’s also been the connectivity that brings passionate groups of USC fans together for debates and discussions. That’s what we’re all in it for.