USC Football: CFB Expert Points Out Defensive Vulnerabilities

The defense will be the x-factor for this team once again.

The USC Trojans enter the new college football season with much to prove. They come in with high expectations for success this year, as many are looking to them to reach the College Football Playoff.

The program almost clinched a spot last season before they faltered in the Pac-12 title game to Utah. Now, they come in with unfinished business to attend to. They bring back the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, and still have head coach Lincoln Riley leading the fold.

USC has everything set up for them to be successful this season, but the one weakness for this team could again be their defense. It was what plagued them last year and cost them a chance for a title.

Entering this season, the Trojans have improved on the defensive side of the ball with some transfers, but it will be the main storyline as the year progresses. Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch has his work cut out for him, and if the defense doesn't improve, changes will likely be made.

Jesse Simonton of on3.com put together a list of predictions for the upcoming college football season, and they still see the Trojans struggling on the defensive side of the ball.

“I know they added a Bear (Alexander) and a host of other impact transfers, but the turnover regression monster + a more difficult schedule will equal the same ‘ole defensive results for a Lincoln Riley team."

Per on3.com

Historically, a Riley-led team has an explosive offense but a poor defense. It remains to be seen if that will happen again with the Trojans, but it will ultimately determine just how far this team goes. 

The Trojans need the defense to at least be a "bend but don't break" type this season. Their offense is good enough to compete with most teams, but the team will be in trouble if they can't make the big stops.

It's put up or shut up time for USC. Riley is in his second season as the coach, and Williams is back for one last year. The time is now for this team, so let's see if they can take advantage.