USC Trojans

USC's offensive line ranked high nationally

Published May. 18, 2015 4:43 p.m. ET

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USC had one of the nation's youngest offensive lines last year. And as Hank Shaw at Reign of Troy points out, the Trojans learned on the fly after giving up a staggering 99 sacks last year.

Still, the young but talented group was enough for Phil Steel to rank USC's offensive line as one of the best in the nation, along with Arkansas, Baylor, Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State and Ole Miss.

So, why is USC ranked so high? Shaw explains.

"As far as players go, USC returns everyone relevant on the offensive line," he writes. "All-Pac-12 first teamer Max Tuerk is the most notable, as he is who head coach Steve Sarkisian believes to be 'the best center [in] the nation.'

"All in all, there's 99 career starts up front. That gives the Trojans an experienced unit despite expected starters Toa Lobendahn, Viane Talamaivao and Damien Mama being just true sophomores and still one the bowed portion of the learning curve."

If USC's line pans out, that means solid protection for Cody Kessler in the pocket and a chance to really run down hill. And that has all the makings of a very scary USC team.

(h/t Reign of Troy)

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