USC’s Balanced Attack and Defense Fuel CFP Hopes

USC enters Week 13 with an 8-2 record and growing optimism about a College Football Playoff run. The Trojans are coming off a narrow and unpolished victory over Iowa, showcasing their ability to win games even when execution isn’t flawless. This adaptability could be a key factor in their playoff hopes.

The Trojans began the season 4-0 before suffering a two-point road loss to Illinois. Wins over Michigan, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Iowa have been interspersed with a 34-24 defeat to Notre Dame, but USC has maintained momentum and demonstrated resilience against quality opponents.

Looking ahead, USC faces challenging matchups on the road against Oregon and at home against rival UCLA. These contests could test their ability to win close, hard-fought games—something Lincoln Riley emphasized as essential for postseason success.

A renewed focus on balance has helped the Trojans improve across the board. With a stronger running game, improved defense, and better performance in one-score games, USC is showing the complete package needed to compete at the highest level.

1. Rushing Game Emerges as Strength

USC has made significant strides in its ground attack under Lincoln Riley, giving the team greater offensive versatility. The Trojans rank eighth nationally in points per game and third in total yards, with rushing efficiency emerging as a notable improvement. This season, USC averages 191.1 rushing yards per game, up from 145.6 in 2024. King Miller leads the backfield with 719 yards and five touchdowns on 99 carries, while Waymond Jordan has also contributed 576 yards and five scores. Jayden Maiava adds six rushing touchdowns, helping balance the offense. The team’s rushing efficiency—ninth nationally in yards per attempt—gives the Trojans the ability to control tempo, sustain drives, and protect a lead in tight contests. This improvement addresses a weakness that limited USC in prior seasons under Riley. A more reliable running game also allows the passing attack to thrive. By keeping defenses honest, USC can mix play-action and RPO concepts more effectively, creating opportunities for explosive plays without relying solely on the pass.

2. Defensive Improvements Drive Wins

USC’s defense has evolved into a reliable unit this season. After ranking 94th in total defense in Riley’s first season and dropping to 121st in 2023, the Trojans now sit 31st in opponent points per game and 36th in opponent yards per game. The team has been particularly strong in the red zone, allowing scores on just 70.97% of opponent trips, ranking seventh nationally. Defensive leaders like Eric Gentry anchor the front seven with three sacks, five forced fumbles, and team-leading tackles. Edge rushers Anthony Lucas, Kamery Crawford, and Braylan Shelby have provided consistent quarterback pressure. The secondary has also been effective, with safety Bishop Fitzgerald contributing five interceptions, three pass breakups, and a touchdown. The ability to stop the run, create turnovers, and pressure the quarterback allows USC to remain competitive in close games. These defensive improvements complement the running game, giving the Trojans the ability to control tempo and survive low-scoring, hard-fought contests—a crucial factor in their playoff aspirations.

3. Winning Close Games Under Riley

Lincoln Riley has historically struggled in one-score games, holding an 8-8 record before 2025. USC also had difficulty on the road and performed better only when scoring more than 35 points. This season, however, the Trojans are 2-1 in one-score contests despite scoring under 35 points in all three games. Recent wins against Nebraska and Iowa illustrate USC’s ability to grind out close victories. The defense has held opponents to a combined 38 points in those two games while the offense scored 47, demonstrating a shift toward winning efficiently rather than relying solely on high-scoring outputs. Looking ahead, the matchup with Oregon will be a critical test of this approach. Keeping games low-scoring and controlling key possessions could work in USC’s favor as they pursue a playoff berth. Currently ranked 15th in the CFP standings, USC can enhance its resume with consecutive wins over Oregon and UCLA, finishing 10-2. With strong performances and a loss only to a fellow playoff contender on the road, the Trojans could earn the committee’s nod for the postseason.