Team approach and teaching are at the forefront for USC DC D'Anton Lynn

There are always a lot of moving parts when it comes to defense. This is, of course, also true on the offensive side of the ball. The difference, however, is that a player on defense even taking the slightest incorrect angle can directly lead to six points for the other team. Whereas on offense, mistakes can be a little more forgiving, and it can be easier for someone else to make up for an error in the moment.

In order for USC to perform at the level that is needed there, the Trojans will have to show the ability to work cohesively. Giving up the big plays and backbreakers not only leads to a score but also can demoralize a team. This can sometimes lead to a feeling of inevitability, believing that there are not any answers for the other team's scheme.

To counter this from potentially happening in 2025, coach D'Anton Lynn is leading the unit for the second year in a row. This aspect alone should help the Trojans, who have already seen improvement on that side of the ball during the coach's first season in Troy.

As shared on X by Trojan Football ✌️ ᶠᵃⁿ, former USC safety Bryson Shaw discussed the approach of the current USC DC. According to Shaw, coach Lynn separates himself in preparation in how he teaches.

Important aspect to keep in mind for USC

Defense is often about individual technique and athleticism. At the end of the day, a coach will look to see if there is a good one-on-one matchup that results in a favorable play for the defense. When looking more holistically, however, the way in which the different areas of the field interact and operate within a system becomes absolutely critical for any team success.

Based on what Shaw shared, this is the aspect that coach Lynn tends to focus on, at least more than others.

When watching USC this year, look at how coach Lynn orchestrates his unit and be on the lookout for how the various components work together.