Football scout Bill Carroll thinks Fresno State will reveal a lot about 2022 Trojans
The Trojans were 4–8 under Clay Helton and endured a level of roster turnover greater than any other program in college football. With new coach Lincoln Riley, a prolific quarterback in Caleb Williams, three first-team All-Americans, a game-breaker at receiver, and a manageable schedule, USC should be poised for a Hollywood beginning and end in 2022.
USC is in the top 10 of the coaches and writers polls. The Trojans are currently the favorite to win the Pac-12 Conference if you look at various publications and outlets. These are pretty lofty expectations for a team going through a ton of changes. The Trojans’ offense should be fine, but their defense will likely take some time to build up to an elite level.
I wanted to ask football scout Bill Carroll what the hurdles will be for USC this season.
Trojans Wire: What do you see as USC’s biggest hurdle this year?
Bill Carroll: I 100% think that it’s the play in the trenches. Last year all the good teams bullied the Trojans on the line of scrimmage. With all the glitz and glamor people forgot that the great USC teams of the past were always dominant up front. This is why the Utah and Notre Dame marquee games will be so important. Can USC shed the “finesse” label that has been hung on them of late?
Trojans Wire: Utah and Oregon are favorites to win the Pac-12, but what separates USC and gives them and edge in your opinion?
Bill Carroll: USC has a quantity and a quality of talent at quarterback, running back and receiver that is different from the rest of the conference.
Trojans Wire: What is your overall prediction for the Trojans’ 2022 season?
Bill Carroll: 8-4 I see as the floor and 10-2 as the ceiling. A game that I see as a real big-game indicator is the Fresno State Bulldogs, September 17 at home in Week 3.
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USC and Rice are 2 of only 13 FBS programs with a special place in football history
