MarShawn Lloyd has himself a fan in Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward.

Ward and the Sun Devils host No. 5 USC this weekend. They get the unenviable task of trying to slow down a Trojan offense that features the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams. When he met with reporters this week, Ward made sure to pay equal respect to the guy who lines up next to Williams in the backfield.

“He’s the best that I’ve seen in the last two years in this league,” Ward said. “He’s big, he’s physical, he has great feet. You combine that with the best quarterback, or arguably the best quarterback in the country, and there’s not much better skill (talent elsewhere), and it can be a pretty dynamic formula for an offense.”

That’s a serious compliment.

Ward is in his first year on Arizona State’s coaching staff. Last season, he coordinated Washington State’s defense, which means he has already faced Oregon’s Bucky Irving, Cal’s Jaydn Ott, Travis Dye, Oregon State’s Damien Martinez, and Utah’s Ja’Quinden Jackson.

But he thinks Lloyd is the best he’s seen.

Ward said the offensive line for USC is arguably the best group they’ll see all year. He said Caleb Williams’ play speaks for itself. He said mentioned that USC has had an extra week to prepare for the Pac-12 opener. Asked what part of USC’s offensive attack challenges a defense most, Ward was succinct: “Everything.”

Lloyd was really rounding into form before USC’s bye week.

The former South Carolina tailback had just nine carries for 42 yards in his debut with the Trojans in Week 0. In Week 1 against Nevada, Lloyd ran for 76 yards and a touchdown while adding another 59 receiving yards on two catches. In Week 2 against Stanford, Lloyd had another 77 yards and a score on nine carries.

When the first-team unit has been on the field, USC’s offense has been just about unstoppable.

The Sun Devils (1-2) will hope to finally slow them down on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on FOX.