Alex Grinch says USC defense putting Utah loss behind them

During USC’s road game against Utah, the defense unraveled. A defense that hadn’t allowed more than 28 points in a game allowed 43. That included giving up a two-point conversion to seal the loss to the Utes. However, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch insists that USC is putting the loss behind them.

While speaking to the media, Alex Grinch was asked how the team was handling things and how they’ve looked during the bye week.

“I think good,” Alex Grinch said. “I mean, what you can’t do is you can’t take 60, you know, whatever, 77 reps on Saturday and say all the reps in the six games before didn’t happen. That’s just not the appropriate thing to do.”

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“However, we do believe in one-game evaluations. It wasn’t good enough. No. Thumbs down. You know what was the coverage good enough? No. Was the pass rush good enough? No. And then, as coaches, making sure we put the onus back on us from a preparation standpoint. Is there anything there that way? And then, all you’re trying to do is be better for it because the worst thing that can happen is obviously not getting the outcome that you want, say you’re close, and say, ‘Oh, we’ll just be better next time.’ That’s not our approach,” Alex Grinch said.

“On the same token, we don’t let’s fire everybody on the field, and let’s start other people, and if you need to do that, you do that, obviously.”

Alex Grinch insisted that it’s not time for panic after one game. They just need to be better prepared and in a better position to make plays. If issues keep happening, that’s when you’d consider making a change somewhere.

USC is on a bye this week. Then, Alex Grinch and the defense will have the chance to rebound against Arizona.

“It’s not time panic to mode. It’s time for better results.”

Alex Grinch explained the two-point play

The play that is going to stick out the most to USC fans is the final two-point conversion play that USC gave up. On it, USC covered Utah’s receivers well but wasn’t able to contain quarterback Cameron Rising as he scrambled for the score.

“You do a good job in coverage, that’s what you’re gonna buy. That can’t surprise us, you know? One of the things we talked about on the defensive front, and this isn’t new, is you can’t rush past the quarterback,” Alex Grinch said.

“So, that’s part of it. You’ve got to decide to cover people or not cover people. I’m gonna get you covered and do a nice job that way, and then you get some–and then, obviously, once he breaks the line of scrimmage then it’s all hands on deck. Eleven guys going to him. Missed an opportunity there.”