USC Football: Writer Wonders If Trojans Are A Top Tier Pac-12 Club

USC has some issues, but they remain a top team.

As the USC Trojans progress through their season, things only get more challenging for them. They have a tough schedule the rest of the way, and it will show what this team is really made of.

Next week starts a back-to-back against Notre Dame and Utah, and then the Trojans get Washington and Oregon shortly after that. Their schedule doesn't let up, and it remains to be seen if they can survive through it all.

They haven't looked the part of a title contender so far, especially on the defensive end of the field. It could end up costing them down the line against any of these good teams. Their shaky performances over the last few weeks have many wondering what the ceiling is for this Trojans team. But is there a difference between USC and the other top teams in the Pac-12? Well, some may believe so.

Two members of Ducks Wire were asked, and both believe that USC has fallen behind the other top-tier programs this season.

“I wouldn’t say a lot better because USC has Caleb Williams and he’s a difference maker to be sure, but Oregon and Washington (Ducks are ahead of the Dawgs) are better than the Trojans. Defense is the difference. The Duck defense has been absolutely dominating and USC’s defense has its problems.”

Per Don Smalley of Ducks Wire via Trojans Wire

The USC defense seems to be holding them back once again, despite additions to the team during the off-season. It could again cost them a spot in the College Football Playoff, which would be a very tough pill to swallow for Lincoln Riley and company.

However, Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire sees things a little differently. While the Trojans may not be where they need to be right now, Zemek believes they could get there.

“I do think USC’s defense — today — is nowhere near ready for Oregon and Washington. Fortunately for USC, the Trojans aren’t playing those teams this week or the next. They have a month to figure this out.”

Per Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire

The Trojans have all the talent to be one of the best teams in the country, but unless something changes on defense, they won't win the title. The clock is ticking on their season, and their defense needs to figure things out fast.

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