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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs USC Trojans

By Michael Chavez

Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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USC Defense

This is an active front seven. Not only are they active but that are fast, strong and big. Start with the defensive line.

The Trojans show multiple looks and will bounce between a 4-3 and a 3-4 which in itself causes problems for opposing offenses. DT/DE Rasheem Green might be the best player along that front and he’s only a sophomore. Listed at 6’5 280 he has the size that catches the eye of NFL scouts and the game tape to back it up. If you try and run at him he will anchor, shed and make a tackle. Try the stretch running game? Nope, he’s going to knife through with his speed. That pretty much sums up this whole Dline.

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At the linebacker position people know the names Porter Gustin and Cameron Smith who are leaders among the LB’s but ILB Michael Hutchings is no slouch. He’s a missile in the run game  seeing plays develop well and has the speed to close in a hurry. He also has the athleticism to stay on the field on pass plays which is a major plus for this defense.

No matter how stellar the other units, the secondary reigns supreme on this defense. Led by the dynamic CB/KR Adoree’ Jackson and the underrated Iman Marshall this unit creates all kinds of issues for offenses. It just isn’t the starting corners either as the Trojans have talented depth they will rotate in especially Chris Hawkins and Jack Jones to keep everyone fresh.

The safety position doesn’t get as much love as the corners but because the corners are so talented the safeties actually have a little more free reign when they’re not manned up.