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Matt Leinart gauges the vibe surrounding USC ahead of key Week 4 contest
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Matt Leinart thinks the vibes are good within the USC community so far for the 2024 season.
The former USC QB joined Joel Klatt to discuss the impressive start by the Trojans. When asked about the vibes surrounding the team and fans, Leinart was upbeat.
“It’s much better than it’s been the last couple of years, that’s for sure,” Leinart said. “It really points to one thing (the positivity), I think it points to the defense and how improved they are. It might be the biggest turnaround for one side of the ball in all of college football this year.”
“Holy crap! We’re pretty good.” USC’s defense has made a statement the last few weeks ✌️@joelklatt and @MattLeinartQB discuss the excitement around the Trojans fanbase with this team ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/6eiBZdohkj
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) September 18, 2024
Leinart has a point.
After finishing No. 119 in the nation in total defense in 2023, the Trojans currently have the No. 55 unit so far in 2024. The Trojans’ defense allowed 20 points to LSU in the opener and then allowed 0 points against Utah State in Week 2. The team currently has the No. 33 run defense after finishing No. 119 in that category last season.
“Now that we have a defense, it’s like ‘holy crap, we’re pretty good,'” Leinart said about the Trojans.
The next test for the Trojans will be against No. 18 Michigan in Week 4. Going into Ann Arbor and silencing the Wolverines’ ground game would be another sign that the USC defense is better than ever.
After the hot start, USC heads to face Michigan as a 5.5-point road favorite per bet365. Even as the favorite, a win over Michigan would be a sign that the Trojans have the physical nature to compete in the Big Ten this fall.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.