USC desperately needs to improve its OL play vs. Penn State

USC offensive line coach Josh Henson is coming under increased scrutiny for the overall poor performance of this group.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) rates the Trojans’ offensive line at or near the bottom of all Power Four teams in multiple categories. Overall, PFF gives USC’s line the third-worst grade of the 67 teams comprising the Power Four conferences. In terms of pass-blocking, the Trojans’ OL is second-worst, allowing sacks or quarterback hits on 7.2% of passing plays.  

While the interior of the offensive line has struggled, the biggest problem has been the performance of the tackles. Mason Murphy (a redshirt junior) and Elijah Paige (a redshirt freshman) are PFF’s lowest-graded pair of Power Four tackles.

The inadequate performance of the USC offensive line has inhibited the explosive game-breaking potential of the Trojan playmakers.

Quarterback Miller Moss has a bevy of talented targets in the passing game. However, with Moss regularly under pressure from opposing pass rushers, he has been unable to fully exploit the potential of this skilled group. 

On Saturday, the Trojans’ OL may face its toughest test yet when USC hosts No. 4 Penn State. The Nittany Lions feature a stout pass rush, led by edge rushers Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton, both of whom project as future top NFL Draft picks.

Penn State also ranks seventh in run defense and fifth in pass rush, according to PFF.

For USC to have any chance against Penn State, the offensive line will need to step up and give Moss a semblance of protection.