Sept. 2, 2026, 1:05 p.m. PT<\/p>\n
USC football faces Fresno State<\/a> this Friday. College Football News previewed<\/a> the Bulldogs’ defense.<\/p>\n “The defense was the best in the Mountain West last season, allowing just 286 yards and 19 points per game. Defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto did a great job with the Northern Illinois defense before coming over to Fresno State<\/a>, and now he has the time logged in, along with a loaded group of veterans to work with. The defensive front is loaded.Top pass rusher Finn Claypool is gone, but the 300-pound tackle combination of Deijon Laffitte and Martin Owusu are back on the inside to hold up against the run. Jahzon Jacks, Stone Noa, and Merhauti Xepera are good-sized ends who can hold up.<\/p>\n “When this bunch stopped the run, it was over.\u00a0The Bulldogs were 9-0 when allowing 140 rushing yards or fewer, and went 0-4 when giving up 190 or more. To be fair, part of the problem in those four games was an ineffective offense that couldn\u2019t keep up, but this group is experienced enough to be even better, especially against the good attacks. There\u2019s size across the board.\u00a0Again, the defensive tackles are big, the ends are bulky, and the linebackers have Power Four size \u2013 Tytus Khajavi is a 235-pound middle linebacker who should come close to leading the team in tackles. There won\u2019t be a problem getting physical.”<\/p>\n As with the Fresno State offense, Matt Entz doesn’t try to be clever. He wants to win with rugged, tough, physical football and trench strength as the foundation for everything the Bulldogs do. USC has to be ready to stand up to Fresno State up front. Win there, win the game. It’s fairly simple.<\/p>\n Contact\/Follow\u00a0@TrojansWire<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of\u00a0USC Trojans<\/a>\u00a0news, notes and opinion.<\/p>\n