Three Defensive Keys for the LSU Football team as they look to beat the USC Trojans

2. Controlling the time of possession

The way that a Lincoln Riley offense can truly hurt you is if they get ten or more possessions in this game. The Trojans may get off to a slow start as Miller Moss gets his feet wet as the starter but, if you give the Trojans the ball enough times, Riley will make you pay.

When Utah beat USC last season they held the ball for 34:42, when Washington won they held it for 34:40 when UCLA won they held the ball for 32:24, and Oregon won narrowly winning the time of possession battle. The only team that beat USC without holding the ball for longer was Notre Dame due to how many times their defense and special teams scored.

The Tigers in many ways have the most ideal offense for slowing any opposing team down in 2024. LSU boasts one of the Nation's top offensive lines and if the Tigers can pick up a first down or two every possession, Lincoln Riley and Miller Moss will start to grow restless as they're held off of the field.

Keeping USC defense on the field for a long time will start to wear on the Trojans late in the game while it'll allow LSU to stay fresh. The depth on the defensive line is a massive concern heading into the season but, keeping the group fresh can solve a ton of problems.

1. Pressuring Miller Moss

When you rewatch Miller Moss' star against Louisville in the Holliday Bowl, one thing stands out. When the Cardinals were unable to pressure the Trojans signal caller, Moss was creating explosive plays non-stop. Moss finished the game with six touchdowns and an interception passing for 372 yards.

The Tigers replace their most productive pass rushers on the inside while the edge rush room looks to improve on their performance in 2023. The Tigers are going up against an explosive group of receivers which is a tough task to achieve with seven players in coverage. The Tigers need to get home in the pass rush and they'll need to get home with four pass rushers.

Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker will have a massive part in designing concepts that help the Tigers in crating pressure. If Baker is able to design schemes to bring extra pressure it could be the deciding factor in this game. Miller Moss is impressive but, inexperienced and turning the heat up on him could be key in creating turnovers.

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