USC Football: Matt Leinart Believes Trojans' Goal Is Playoffs or Nothing

The Heisman winner wants to see USC take the next step.

USC has college football pundits vastly divided.

Some think the Trojan defense will not be enough to overcome Oregon, Washington, or Utah's top-notch offenses led by experienced quarterbacks Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and Cam Rising.

Others think that Caleb Williams and the high-flying Trojan offense is enough to outgun any opposition en route to the program's first College Football Playoff appearance.

For former Trojan and Heisman-winning quarterback Matt Leinart, who currently works as an analyst for Fox Sports, it's playoffs or bust.

"From a Trojan perspective and also as a college football analyst, anything short of a Playoff spot for USC would probably be a disappointment," Leinart told Bleacher Report. "Just because of how close they were last year and the additions and transfers they added, especially on the defensive side. I think it's a Playoff run, that's the type of team they have."

(Via

BleacherReport

)

Leinart knows a thing or two about making title runs with the Trojans. He won the 2004 BCS National Championship and made it to the 2005 championship game, losing in one of the greatest games of all time to Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns.

USC showed their championship-caliber offense on Saturday. Freshman wideout and returner Zachariah Branch's speed makes him a dangerous addition to Williams' already-loaded arsenal. 

What could end up being the Trojans' Achilles heel is their defense. Allowing 28 points to an admittedly talented San Jose team wasn't a great start to the season, and their run defense and open-field tackling are a significant concern. However, Head Coach Lincoln Riley noted after the game that the season provides growth opportunities. Their first game against a top 25-ranked opponent is Oct. 14 against Notre Dame.