USC Football: College Football Insider Believes Trojans Defense Benefits from Gentle Schedule Ahead
The USC Trojans started their new season with a fun victory over the San Jose State Spartans over the weekend. The offense again looked good after a strong effort from reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
Williams showed once again why he is the best player in college football. The Trojans offense will be high-powered once again, but even with all the offense, the biggest x-factor will still be the defensive side of the ball.
It showed flashes of improvement on Saturday, but nothing matters until the Trojans show consistent games where the defense shows up.
Paul Myerberg of USA Today broke down winners and losers from week zero of the new season. The Trojans made the cut as one of the winners, but the defense remains a mystery going forward.
“One, that seeing Kliff Kingsbury walking the sidelines as one of Lincoln Riley's analysts really helps hammer things home: yeah, this offense is going to be nasty. Two, that the defense had some moments in the second half, including several three-and-outs, but still needs to bottle things up. The schedule looks easy until facing the Irish on Oct. 14, so USC has time.”
Per USA Today
The Trojans have some time to get things right and give their defense time to gel together. But every week should be looked at as a new opportunity.
Prior to their matchup with the Fighting Irish, the team welcomes in the Arizona Wildcats to the LA Coliseum. The Wildcats should give the Trojans defense a run for their mouth with their explosive offense.
The defense is going to make or break this year for USC. They will need to get to a point where they are a “bend but don’t break” type of unit.
This team is going to need to get big stops in games if they want to reach their ultimate goal of winning a National Championship.
The first results of 2023 were promising, but let’s wait to see what the defense looks like against a better opponent before crowning them.