Mike Farrell: USC needs to prove it has a pass rush
Before the season-opener against North Carolina on Thursday, we will ask 50 people: “What do you think about the Gamecocks in 2015?” We’re counting down the days until kickoff. Today’s panelist is Mike Farrell, Rivals.com recruiting analyst:
“Replacing Mike Davis and defensive problems. They obviously need a pass rush solution and they need a running game. Mike was such a big part of that offense that I think they are going to struggle there. Losing A.J. Cann up front hurts, too. Breaking in a new quarterback is always difficult, but I think the defense is the bigger problem. With Pharoh Cooper, they can do a lot of things offensively, and I do like Connor Mitch and his potential, but I just don’t see a solution for that defense and I think that is going to really hurt them. They are changing the scheme of their defense so there are so many guys who are learning different positions. I think they are solid at linebacker but without a pass rush your secondary is going to be exposed.”