3 reasons to believe USC will win the Pac-12 this year

The defense should be improved

Todd Orlando had to set his new defense under the strangest of circumstances in his first season as the Trojans defensive coordinator. It may have been a different kind of install, but he still managed to improve things considerably.

USC held opponents to 26 points per game, down from 29.4 in 2019. The run defense was notably better. The secondary was solid. The linebackers were not a disaster.

Truthfully, there was a low bar for improvement last year. This year, expectations will be slightly higher.

Even though the Trojans have lost key defenders like defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Olaijah Griffin, there’s a great deal of optimism.

Defensive line coach Vic So’oto has a solid core of defensive linemen to work with, while Drake Jackson could make an All-American push rushing off the edge. He’ll be joined by No. 1 overall recruit Korey Foreman upfront. USC also added another two Top 100 recruits in linebacker Raesjon Davis and cornerback Ceyair Wright who could contend for immediate playing time.

USC’s defense may be youthful, but the influx of talent and a capable coaching staff should keep them on an upward trajectory.

If the Trojans were able to take care of the Pac-12 South with last year’s defense, they’ll be even more well-positioned in 2021.