Notre Dame Football Opponent Preview: USC Trojans Defense
By Andrew Hall
USC enters tomorrow’s matchup allowing 23.7 points per contest. The Trojans defense is extremely talented. However, like the entire USC team, several injuries have taken their toll on the group. OLB Hunter Echols, DL Josh Fatu, and OLB Porter Gustin are unlikely to play against the Irish. Although some big-time players may miss this week, the Trojans’ roster still possesses several talented players. The Notre Dame football team faces their second biggest challenge of the season when the Trojans come to town.
Defensive Line
The USC defense plays a 3-4 scheme. Rasheem Green, Josh Fatu and Christian Rector typically make up the Defensive Line. However, Fatu is likely out for this weekend’s game after he was in a serious car accident. Green, who is probable, is fighting an ankle injury.
Even with their losses, this is a formidable group. Sophomore Defensive End Christian Rector tallied 6.5 sacks in seven games. Green has collected 4.0 sacks. The Trojans rank 7th in sacks. Notre Dame’s Offensive Line struggled against Georgia. If the Irish face 3rd-and-long, this could spell trouble for Brandon Wimbush.
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Linebackers
During Tuesday’s press conference, Brian Kelly sang the praises of the Cameron Smith. And for good reason. In seven games this season, the Inside Linebacker from Roseville, California notched 62 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. He leads the team in tackles.
Notre Dame must also contend with their Outside Linebackers that rush the passer. Captain Uchenna Nwosu gets his hands up when rushing the passer and bats down a lot of balls, So far, he has broken up 8 passes and pulled down an interception.
Aside from Nwosu and Smith, John Houston Jr. and, likely, Connor Murphy will start against the Irish. Houston Jr. made 31 stops in the first seven games of the year.
Defensive Backs
This position group is probably the most talented group on the team. However, the Defensive Backs have left much to be desired. Former 5-star recruit Iman Marshall has struggled in the first half of the season. His running mate, Cornerback Jack Jones has collected 4 interceptions.
Safeties Marvell Tell and Chris Hawkins round out the secondary. Tell is second on the team in tackles with 48 tackles. He also pulled down 2 interceptions. Hawkins is third on the team in tackles with 39 stops.