Stopping Alabama outside linebacker Tim Williams will be a challenge for USC’s talented offensive line. Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
ANGELES — The bar of expectations is set high for coach Clay Helton’s first full season, and that season begins with the toughest of tests.
No. 20 USC takes on top-ranked and defending national champion Alabama on Saturday night in Arlington, Texas.
“If you don’t like the bar set that high, then don’t take the job,” Helton said on Pac-12 Media Day.
Helton was the steady-as-he-goes choice after a series of other flashier coaches flamed out or will ill fits in the post-Pete Carroll era — Lane Kiffin, interim Ed Orgeron and Steve Sarkisian, who was fired after four games last season.
Helton took over from there, instilling a more physical approach, especially on offense, where the Trojans featured a rejuvenated ground game that helped them win the Pac-12 South. The season ended in disappointment, however, with a loss to Stanford in the Pac-12 title game and a bowl loss to Wisconsin.
So, that brings us to Saturday’s opener, with Helton trying to avoid a three-game losing streak while using a new starting quarterback in junior Max Browne, who won a camp battle against redshirt freshman Sam Darnold.
His reward is getting to face Alabama coach Nick Saban, pass-rushing terrors and perhaps the best defense in college football.
USC will counter with an experienced and talented offensive line that should be one of the best in the country. The line includes multiple pro prospects, including tackles Zach Banner and Chad Wheeler, although Wheeler was bothered by foot problems for most of camp.
“It’s just a different feel from what it was two years ago,” Helton said of the offensive line.
“I’m looking at those kids today and it’s three junior guards in there, with the backups being juniors, too. And then your two tackles can play ball, too. There’s just so much more experience on the offensive line.”
USC hasn’t won the a Pac-12 title since 2008, and Helton won’t have long before he has to meet such expectations. This will be an interesting season in that the Trojans have elite talent (such as WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and CB Adoree’ Jackson) but play what some consider the toughest schedule in the country.
The non-conference schedule includes Alabama and Notre Dame, while road league games include Stanford, Utah, Washington and UCLA.
