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USC Defense Faces Fearsome RB Gauntlet
2 Jul
Summary
- USC's defense ranked 51st in scoring last season.
- Gary Patterson aims to improve a run defense allowing 143.2 yards.
- Four elite running backs will challenge USC's defense this season.

USC's defense, a unit that finished 51st in scoring last season, has brought in renowned defensive strategist Gary Patterson to spearhead improvements. Patterson's immediate focus will be bolstering a run defense that yielded an average of 143.2 yards per game.
This season presents a significant test with four highly capable running backs scheduled to challenge the Trojans. Fresno State's physical runner Bryson Donelson, averaging 8.7 yards per carry last season, is the first major threat on September 5th. Dierre Hill Jr. from Oregon follows on September 26th, bringing explosive speed and a proven ability to break tackles.
Ohio State's Bo Jackson, a thousand-yard rusher from the previous year, awaits USC on October 31st, demanding strong eye discipline and gang-tackling. The final major challenge comes on November 14th with Indiana's Turbo Richard, a versatile back who excels as both a runner and a receiver, coming off career-high statistics.