Greg McElroy Predicts Bounce Back Defensively For Historic College Football Program

The UCLA Bruins had a solid defense last season, ranking in the top five in the Pac-12 for points allowed per game (18.4), opponent turnovers per game (1.8), and passing yards allowed per game (220.8). UCLA also led the conference in rushing yards allowed per game (80.8) and total yards allowed per game (301.5).

After a disappointing 2023 season on defense, the USC Trojans fired Alex Grinch and hired former UCLA defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. In a recent episode of Always College Football, Greg McElroy talked about how different the USC defense could be under Lynn.

McElroy mentioned how much better the UCLA defense became under Lynn after starting in the role in 2023.

"...I think D'Anton Lynn is going to be a little bit simpler. He's not gonna go in and start recreating the wheel. But I also think simple, when you can oftentimes attract superior talent, isn't the worst thing in the world," McElroy said. "...Which ultimately down the road, should have them in a position to play better defense.

On the other hand, the USC defense was one of the worst in the conference in 2023. USC allowed the most rushing yards per game (186.5), was 10th in points allowed per game (34.4), and was seventh in passing yards allowed per game (246.4).

The Trojans have linebacker Mason Cobb, defensive end Jamil Muhammad, defensive back Jaylin Smith, linebacker Eric Gentry, and defensive lineman Bear Alexander all returning for Lynn to use.

USC takes on the LSU Tigers in its season opener on Sept. 1.

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