LSU football vs. USC: Three players to know on the Trojan defense

With just one day remaining until the start of the 2024 LSU football vs. USC matchup, here are three Trojan defenders who have the potential to make things difficult for the Tiger offense in week one.

LSU football vs. USC: Three players to know on the Trojan defense

1. DT Bear Alexander

If coach Brian Kelly has any plans of placing a stronger emphasis on the run-game in 2024, expect to hear the name Bear Alexander plenty this coming Sunday.

One of the leaders of the USC defense and a third-year college football veteran, Alexander is one of the more dominant defensive forces in all of college football and has the potential to be a true game changer for the Trojans this season.

All eyes on us. 😤💪

🏈 Bear Alexander vs Harold Perkins Jr
📍 @ModeloUSA Vegas Kickoff Classic

🎥 @uscfb @LSUfootball #FightOn | #GeauxTigers | #VegasKickoffClassic pic.twitter.com/pR4VaeJvSj

— Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic (@LasVegasBowl) August 27, 2024

Standing at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, the defensive tackle out of Terrell, TX logged 47 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two pass deflections as a sophomore and figures to take a jump in his first season as an upperclassman.

While the LSU offensive line should be expected to dominate Sunday as a whole, if there’s any one player who could potentially cause some issues along the interior, it’s Bear Alexander.

2. CB Jaylin Smith

While the USC defense isn’t exactly expected to have a truly intimidating secondary, it’s not without its fair share of veteran playmakers who can make a quarterback pay if given the chance.

One such player is that of Jaylin Smith, a senior cornerback who has the length and tackling ability to move over to safety if need be.

Jaylin Smith breaks up the Cal two-point conversion pass with 58 seconds remaining as #USC retains a 50-49 lead.

After everything that’s gone wrong today, the Trojans are poised to escape Berkeley with a badly-needed win.

Wild! pic.twitter.com/qz4f7z64WO

— Ryan Young (@RyanYoungRivals) October 29, 2023

Officially listed at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Smith was most recently named as the 2023 Holiday Bowl Defensive MVP after totaling 12 tackles in what ended up being a largely dominant victory over Louisville to end last season.

Entering his fourth year of college football in 2024, Smith has consistently improved his overall statistics each year, recording 75 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four passes defended, one interception and two forced fumbles in 2023. After last season’s breakout campaign, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the entire Tiger passing game needs to keep an eye out for this impressive defensive back.

3. LB Mason Cobb

After leading USC in total tackles through the 2023 season, linebacker Mason Cobb is back and ready to continue what has already become quite the accomplished college football career.

Having begun his career with Oklahoma State, Cobb didn’t quite burst onto the scene as a true playmaker until 2022 when he recorded an eye-popping 96 tackles as a junior. From there, he elected to make a move on to now Big Ten program USC, and quickly jumped in as one of the more sure tacklers on the entire roster.

They underestimated my trajectory now they gotta pay that s*** direct to me! #1more13 #lastride pic.twitter.com/1cT6LhV3Oq

— Mason Cobb (@Cobb8Mason) January 26, 2024

Standing at 6-foot, 230 pounds, Cobb relies heavily on his speed, but has the kind of size that has allowed him to become known for his hard-hitting prowess.

While LSU likely won’t need to worry too much about him as a pass defender, his overall football IQ and instincts in the run-game could pose some challenges if there’s any miscommunication along the Tiger offensive line.

The 2024 LSU football season is officially set to get started this Sunday, September 1, against the USC Trojans in Las Vegas, NV, which will be available to watch live on ABC at 6:30 p.m. CST.

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