Past USC defensive deficiencies will be improved with coach D'Anton Lynn

To an extent the concern about USC's defense due to past seasons is valid. It is, however, incomplete to be exclusively married to an evaluation of the Trojans solely based on the more recent years or by harping too much on defenses from past coach Lincoln Riley teams.

Defense is not the focus or strong point of coach Riley. It is an entirely unreasonable expectation to ask anyone to be a master of all aspects of football. Coach Riley climbed the ranks and earned this opportunity in Los Angeles for what he does on offense, particularly at the quarterback position.

Attempting to win each game via shootout, though, is something that the Trojan HC is not exactly interested in exploring, particularly with a lot at stake for the 2025 season.

To cover his blind spot, coach Riley hired proven defensive mastermind coach D'Anton Lynn from across town. This is the main reason why those critiquing coach Riley for the defense are overlooking a critical aspect. That unit, while still within the scope of the broader program as a whole, is under the guidance and direction of coach Lynn.

Only entering his second year with the Trojans, that side of the ball already experienced a noticeable uptick during his first season with USC. Now, the emphasis and attention on the defensive personnel actually has that Trojan unit in a position to be something that USC can potentially lean on at times during the upcoming season.

Needed change will continue to have positive impact for USC

Either way, the fact of the matter is that coach Riley has done what all leaders should do. He went out and delegated an area of weakness to someone qualified, and he is giving that individual, in this case coach Lynn, the space needed to operate at his best capacity.

It is also important to keep in mind the offense will always have an inherent advantage and that this is increased that much more through the emphasis of how the rules are enforced through officiating.

When USC needs a stop, though, expect coach Lynn's unit to find the way a couple more times this year, as has been witnessed in past seasons.