Presence of run game will be a critical point for USC offense

Any amount of success that will come for USC in 2025 will need to see the run game be established. Particularly in short-yardage situations, the ability of a team to pick up a key conversion is what tends to ultimately separate a good team from the bad ones.

This is an aspect that frustrated Trojan fans last year in particular. Traditionally, teams would unquestionably run the ball during downs that only require a short amount of yards. Yet increasingly, many are just as likely to throw a 20-yard fade route during a third-and-one scenario, rather than running it up the middle.

Part of this will have to do with the stronger place of the shotgun formation in football. Compared to the I-formation, it is more difficult for the running back to get a full head of steam. While it is not likely that Jayden Maiava or anyone who is not playing quarterback for any team other than one of the academy services will snap the ball under center, there can still be a significant presence of the run game in today's approach on the field.

Particularly when looking at the USC additions of Eli Sanders and Waymond Jordan, there is a deep desire among the Trojan fan base to see the running back utilized as a featured focal point of the offense.

Needed aspect for USC

This is something that all USC fans will be on the lookout for. Especially in the case of the Trojans losing close games this year, if coach Lincoln Riley does not throw in enough runs, there will be many loud critics bemoaning the nature of the air-raid system.

USC's ability to convert in short-yardage scenarios and coach Riley making use of the benefits of the run game will determine a lot for the Trojans this upcoming season.