USC Football: Is 2021 the year the Trojans play up to their talent level?

USC must answer questions about run game, offensive line

USC made the decision to hire Graham Harrell as offensive coordinator in 2019 and implement the air raid offense and it has been a good transition for the program. However, there have been issues that Harrell must fix on the offense to make it one of the nation’s best.

USC will have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Kedon Slovis, but he is coming off a bit of a shaky season and is looking to re-establish himself as a Heisman contender and potential first-round pick. Slovis threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, but he also threw seven interceptions, which is far too many in six games. Slovis was great in the clutch and led USC to some comeback victories, but he needs to return to his 2019 form for the Trojans to be contenders.

Running back is a huge question mark for USC this season. They had two of their more talented backs transfer, with Stephen Carr off to Indiana and Markese Stepp to Nebraska, and that has left some uncertainty at the position.

Last season’s leading rusher Vavae Malepeai returns and USC added Texas transfer Keaontay Ingram this offseason in hopes that they can have a better running game.

USC is set to have a very talented receiving corps, but they took a bit of an unexpected hit this offseason. Former five-star recruit Bru McCoy was arrested on a domestic violence charge and it is uncertain if he plays this season. Drake London is set to be one of the top receivers in the country and he will be the top USC target this season. KD Nixon will have to take on a bigger role and tight end Erik Krommenhoek will have to step up.

The offensive line is the biggest question mark on the team entering 2021. USC was poor in short-yardage situations and they allowed far too much pressure to be put on Slovis consistently. With four starters back and a new offensive line coach, things should only improve for USC.