USC's Riley: Our defense must take a step forward

Despite being known for his high-scoring offenses, USC head coach Lincoln Riley is focused on improving his defense this year.

"Our defense, we know that's an area we have to have a jump," Riley said at Big Ten media days, according to Action Network's Brett McMurphy. "People inside the walls, who actually know what's going on, fuel that momentum."

The Trojans' defense ranked 118th in the country in scoring defense last season, surrendering 34.38 points per game. The unit was marginally better in total defense, ranking 116th while allowing 432.8 yards per contest. USC fired former defensive coordinator Alex Grinch last November.

Riley tabbed D'Anton Lynn as the program's new defensive coordinator this offseason.

"I knew deep down in my gut, that's the guy we wanted to hire," Riley said, according to Luca Evans of the Orange County Register.

Lynn apparently wasn't the only person that was interested in the job.

"The number of names that wanted this job was pretty cool," Riley said, per McMurphy. "I loved (Lynn's) NFL experience, and we shared a lot of similar beliefs on how great defenses should be played."

Lynn worked with several NFL franchises from 2014-2022. He entered the college ranks as UCLA's defensive coordinator last year. The Bruins ranked 14th in points (18.38) and 10th in yards (301.5) surrendered per game under Lynn.