"Not everyone took Riley's comments seriously at the time. "There's a school on the West Coast right now that's going to re-commit to defense," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said a month later. "You give up [46] to Tulane last year in a bowl game - at a place where Ronnie Lott played. Now they're going to think about defense. That was the first thing we thought about 25 years ago.""
"USC is giving up more than two fewer points per game in 2025 and fewer yards per game through the air and on the ground than in 2024. The defense has created more pressure, already with three more sacks than last season (24 to 21), and clamped down in the red zone, with opponents scoring only 67% of the time, third-best in the nation."
Lincoln Riley fired Alex Grinch two years ago after USC's defense performed poorly. Riley committed to improving defense and appointed D'Anton Lynn as coordinator. Defensive metrics improved year over year: points allowed decreased by over two per game in 2025, passing and rushing yards allowed fell versus 2024, sacks increased to 24 from 21, and red-zone defense held opponents to scoring 67% of the time, third-best nationally. The defense remains inconsistent and young, with more talent but less experience than the prior season. The final regular-season stretch includes a matchup against 21st-ranked Iowa and coach Kirk Ferentz.
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