Back to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Newsfeed

USC Football 2016 Defense Preview: Enviable Talent

USC is desperately trying to improve its defense and will have to do so without half of their top tacklers from a year ago.

Starters Returning: 5/12

Key Losses: DE Scott Felix, DE Greg Townsend, NT Antwuan Woods, DT Delvon Simmons, DT Claude Pelon, LB Su'a Cravens, LB Anthony Sarao, LB Lamar Dawson, CB Kevon Seymour

Key Returnees: DE Porter Gustin, DE Uchenna Nwosu, DE Osa Masina, NT Noah Jefferson, LB Cameron Smith, LB Olajuwon Tucker, CB Adoree Jackson, CB Iman Marshall, S Chris Hawkins, S John Plattenberg

FEI Defense Rank: 30

S&P Defense Rank: 42

S&P Rush Rank: 35

S&P Pass Rank: 41

PPG: 25.