Immediate response:

The USC Trojans came out very aggressive in the run game. Running back Woody Marks racked up 49 yards on three attempts on the first drive alone. The mentality of coming out and imposing their will was evident, and the zone and power run schemes have always been integral to Lincoln Riley’s offense. However, the Trojans appear to be emphasizing these running concepts this season.

The Trojans rushed for 142 yards in the first quarter, their most in a first quarter since 2018. Marks’ 103 first-half yards were the most by a Trojan player since Ronald Jones in 2017. With the jump to the Big Ten and the addition of National Football League coaches to the staff, the Trojans’ identity is starting to take shape. They want to be physically dominant on both ends.

Tight End fanatics:

Tight ends can be the ultimate Swiss Army knife in a balanced offense. The Trojans have made a conscious effort to get their tight ends involved. Lake McRee, coming off a five-reception, 56-yard performance against LSU, appeared to be a key part of the game plan. In the first three drives, McRee had two catches for 43 yards.

The Trojans also had him play on the perimeter in the passing game as a lead blocker. Having a big body who is athletic enough to move his feet and get into position without being susceptible to holding calls is a huge advantage to any offense.

McRee fumbled in the second quarter. A Utah State defender knocked the ball away from behind as he was running for a huge gain and he didn’t see it. He wants that ball back, but it’s a tough move. Taking good care of the ball is always important, but the looks force defenses to plan for McRee in the future, which opens up other opportunities.

D’Anton’s defense:

The Trojans defense, led by defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, does a fantastic job of running multiple looks, especially on obvious passing downs. On a third-and-9 early in the first quarter, he ran a simulated pressure, blitzing linebacker Eric Gentry and dropping an interior defensive lineman.

It’s looks like this that can influence offensive coordinators to shorten the schedule. Quarterbacks and offensive linemen are on edge for the rest of the game, and that can cause problems long after the initial call.

Tackling in space continues to be a strength for the defense and the defensive backs in particular. Only two games in, but one of the biggest weaknesses of the last two Trojans teams is shaping up to be one of the biggest strengths this season.

The Trojans’ defense held a clean sheet for the first time since 2011, limiting Utah State’s offense to just 190 total yards and 87 rushing yards.

“I’m excited about the defensive performance,” Lincoln Riley said in the post-game interview on the field. How could he not be after the first two games?