USC/Nevada Preview: Trojan Defense Must Rapidly Improve

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Despite a four-touchdown victory last week, the pressure rests squarely on the USC defense to show progress.

56-28 seems like a blowout and theoretically it is, however; No. 6 USC played far from their best game against a San Jose State team that is primed to not only win the Mountain West but potentially tease a 10-win season. The same definitely will and cannot be said for the Nevada Wolfpack. In his 2nd year, Head Coach Ken Wilson is building his program up after a 2-10 2022 record. Former Oregon walk-on QB Nate Costa resigned as the Wolfpack offensive coordinator last week. Nevada definitely has a tough schedule but at Mountain West media day Wilson spoke on the Covid season effected rosters but also how it allowed for him to recruit and stash really good high school and Junior college players who fell through the cracks. 

Lackluster Effort

USC’s defense definitely got an F grade for the mental lapses, coverage busts and 198 yards rushing they gave up to the Spartans in Week zero but a lesser offense that will be one-dimensional should not be giving an Alex Grinch-lead defense as much trouble. 

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Drive Extended By Breakdowns

The Trojans gave up way too many chunks of yardage on third downs to SJSU quarterback Chevan Cordeiro as well as a 57-yard run late in the game. If the Trojan defense that showed up last week shows up again against Nevada, watch out. The growing sentiment of “Fire Alex Grinch” will metastasize and inflame the potential of what is most likely Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams final college football season and Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s best opportunity to win a National Championship.

Compensation For Poor Execution

Offensively, USC underwhelmed with C-level execution and B-level production from an elite offense. It was 21-14 at halftime last week. Herculean effort from freshman sensation wide receiver Zachariah Branch put the game away in the second half. Offensive line depth is almost 10 players deep so once that solidifies the offense will be back to its elite ways. USC is entirely too much for Nevada offensively and the defense has vastly improved in the number of players who rush the passer. Trojans take care of business early and often with the Wolfpack playing for respect and culture-building. PREDICTION: 77-21 Trojans victory.

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