The 2023 USC Trojans had one of the most disappointing years in a long time considering the expectations placed on the team entering this year. The Trojans, who almost made it to the College Football Playoff, advanced to the postseason tournament, but had a poor record of 8 wins and 5 losses, including a win in a bowl game.
In a tough season, they suffered a crushing loss to their cross-town rival, the UCLA Bruins. While the loss was difficult to accept at this time, it may have been the best thing for the program's future.
Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire explained that the loss to the Bruins helped change the program's philosophy going forward.
“In hindsight, can you even realize for just one minute what a blessing it actually was for UCLA to beat Riley and the University of Southern California last November? Yes, we lost to the Bruins. felt terrible at the moment, but if USC had lost to UCLA, would Danton Lynn be USC's defensive coordinator now? Lincoln Riley is clearly the Trojans' defensive coordinator. Have they changed their philosophy and overall approach in a way that favors the Rocking Horses? Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better, and that's UCLA. In other words, there should be no debate that we have to admit that.”
After the loss to UCLA, the Trojans underwent a major overhaul of their coaching staff, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The program hired former Bruins defensive coordinator Danton Lynn to fill the same position, creating a star player at the position.
The Trojans' future looks much brighter than it did when the season ended a few months ago. They planned to revamp the whole idea of the program and made it happen. Expect their changes to be reflected in their on-field performance as USC looks to have a more impactful season this year.
