A Preview of Washington's Big Ten Clash Against USC

SeaTown Sports continues its series of previewing Husky football’s 2024 Big Ten opponents

SeaTown Sports is previewing Washington's Big Ten Opponents: Northwestern; Rutgers; Michigan; Iowa; Indiana

Nothing like switching out all the logos around campus to just play a team that you’ve faced over 80 times in school history. Unfortunately, that history involves only 30 wins to 52 losses (and 4 ties) against the University of Southern California. While the Huskies got the better of USC in 2023, both Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. are gone. The two future NFL first round picks were the headliners going into last year’s matchup, but Husky running back Dillon Johnson stole the show with 263 yards and four touchdowns. Sadly, he is also gone. This feels like a theme.

The reality is that we have no idea what to expect out of this match up. First, this game is being played in November. Second, the Huskies feature an entirely new staff and almost entirely new starters on both sides of the ball. USC is also revamping their squad. In addition to finding a replacement for Williams, the Trojans brought in a whole new defensive staff. D’Anton Lynn was hired to take over the USC defense after a successful year at UCLA in 2023. Head Coach Lincoln Riley didn’t stop at Lynn. Riley also brought in Matt Entz as linebackers coach (former North Dakota State head coach) and Doug Belk as secondary coach (former associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Houston). Will the new hires be able to turn around a defense that gave up nearly 35 points per game in 2023?

On the offensive side of the ball, USC will feature play makers all over the field. It will be up to QB Miller Moss to get the ball to them. If the Holiday Bowl is any indication, Moss will be just fine. (Side note: Miller Moss looks like my oldest son. It is weird). The redshirt junior gunslinger threw for 372 yards and six touchdowns in his holiday audition for the successor to Williams. Moss will likely have a new running back to hand the ball to in transfer Woody Marks. However, as most USC teams go, there are other options besides Marks with former four star recruit Quinten Joyner expected to get carries as well. USC’s success on O may depend more on getting uber-talented Zachariah Branch the ball in space. Similar to UW, USC will need to find others to join Branch out wide that can replace production lost from 2023.

Miller Moss - long lost son?/ESPN

Here’s an early look at Washington’s week 9 opponent:

Best Three Players

WR Zachariah Branch (So.)

Branch is first on USC’s players to watch on every preseason publication. The true sophomore earned first team All-American honors last year for his dazzling plays as a kick and punt returner. Branch returned one kick and one punt for a touchdown in 2023 along with three other punts over 60 yards during the season.

Now, in 2024, the former five star recruit will have to prove himself as a wide receiver. Branch pulled down 31 balls for 320 yards last year, but the Trojans will be looking to at least double that production this fall.

Don’t let Branch get the ball/SI

DT Bear Alexander (Jr.)

Coming off a sophomore season where he was named first team All-Pac 12 by Phil Steele, Alexander is an impact defender on the line. He led USC in QB hurries while recording 6.5 tackles for loss as a defensive tackle. Alexander is a clear NFL prospect, currently ranked #10 at NFL Draft Buzz. If USC improves on the defensive side of the ball in 2024, Alexander will be at the heart of that resurgence.

C Jonah Monheim (Sr.)

Many believe that Jonah Monheim could have been selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he decided to come back for his senior season. Monheim moves inside to the center position after earning 2nd team All-Pac 12 honors from the Associated Press as a left tackle. Depending on the site, Monheim is either a first or second day pick in the 2025 draft or potentially a 5th or 6th rounder. Either way, Monheim will be asked to keep the offensive line organized for new QB Miller Moss and open holes for their talented running backs.

Watch Out For This Player

LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (Sr.)

As one of the biggest transfer additions to USC’s roster, Mascarenas-Arnold is expected to help USC solidify their defense in 2024. The experienced linebacker recorded 107 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions at Oregon State before leaving for Southern Cal. If the new coaches and players like Mascarenas-Arnold can make USC formidable on D, USC will be a 10 win team.

Can Washington win?

Maybe? This is one of the hardest games to predict on the schedule along with Rutgers and Iowa. Not only do we not know much about Jedd Fisch’s Husky team, we don’t know enough about USC. Given the talent on USC, I would lean toward a competitive loss for the Dawgs. However, it wouldn’t shock me if the Huskies pull this off.