A frequent cliché used by football coaches is that games are won in the trenches.

Former USC and NFL offensive lineman Tony Boselli previewed Alabama’s upcoming clash with the Trojans on “Southern Fried Sports” with host Travis Reier.

Boselli was a three-time All-American offensive tackle with the USC Trojans from 1991-1994 and a three-time All-Pro offensive lineman with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995-2001.

The former USC and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman believes the Trojans have to excel along the offensive line to have a chance at victory against the Crimson Tide.

“From a skills standpoint, I think SC is as good as anybody in the country. They have great backs. They have great receivers. JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of the best receivers in football. Both teams are going to be starting quarterbacks who don’t have a lot of experience so it’s a push there, but I think where you might see the difference is at the line of scrimmage, and that’s where USC is going to have to come play big boy football against Alabama.” Boselli said.

Later in the conversation with Travis Reier, Boselli credited a number of factors for Alabama’s success under Nick Saban including the offensive line as a cornerstone to their success.

“If you look at Alabama and why they year in and year out are winning, they have great defense. They do a lot of good things. They have special skill guys. Three of the four national titles there that Nick Saban has won, he’s won with quarterbacks that were first year starters. The reason that is, is because of the great offensive lines that he’s had.” Boselli sad.

The former All-Pro lineman articulated the importance that offensive line play has in winning games.

“If you can control the line of scrimmage, and run the ball and protect the quarterback, you can do anything you want.” Boselli said.

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