The 2015 USC football opener against Arkansas State on Saturday night at the Coliseum will pit Justin Wilcox’s defense against a better-than-you-think offense that led the Sun Belt in passing and returns nearly everyone from last year.
The Trojans’ pass defense was the Achilles heel of the team at times last season, as a result of a lack of depth in the secondary. This year however, head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized a platooning system on defense, especially among the defensive backs to ease pressure late in games.
Can it help slow down Arkansas State? Let’s take a look at the Red Wolves’ offense, who are projected to start nine players that started against Toledo in January’s GoDaddy.