USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has introduced his new Defensive Coordinator, Gary Patterson. This is Coach Riley’s third Defensive Coordinator since taking over the Trojans.
Coach Patterson laid out his vision for what the Trojans may look like under his direction in his press conference. USC fans can hope that vision can come to fruition.
We will look at the issues that have plagued the Trojans, regardless of the defensive coordinator.
USC Trojans Tackling/Stop Taking Bad Angles
Was the tackling at an Alex Grinch level last season? No, but in critical moments, especially on the road, USC could have made the Playoff with just one play. This was evident in the game against Notre Dame.
Jayden Mavia hits on a circus route for a go-ahead touchdown. But before you could get back from the fridge, a missed special teams tackle, and Jadarian Price was off to the races for the touchdown.
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Not to mention all the missed tackles in run defense versus Jeremiyah Love that took place.
So if you’re saying, “Hey, Dwayne, both of those guys will be high NFL Draft picks. Give the USC defenders a little break,” take a peek at the Illinois game.
It was just brutal to let them march up and down the field in the game that really cost the Trojans a shot at the playoffs. It was another road game debacle.
Secondary Miscommunication/Falling Down/Playing The ball In The Air
Like goalies, players in the SC defensive backfield are the last line of defense. The pre-snap communication and post-snap execution must be there.
USC had a trend going—take over a football game and give up a huge play.
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Versus Michigan, USC goes up three scores, then the Trojans took a bad angle while playing Cover 2. This leads to a 69-yard TD from Bryce Underwood to Jordan Marshall.
Versus Michigan State, USC gave up a 75-yard play to Omari Kelly.
In the Illinois game, the Trojans gave up two 60-yard plays that changed a close game that USC ultimately lost by two points.
In the Big Ten, you don’t have to be perfect, but giving up big plays won’t get the Trojans their first Big Ten Title.