Anonymous opposing coach believes USC is still 'susceptible' on defense

USC head football coach Lincoln Riley is entering his second season with the program after an incredibly successful first season that featured a Heisman Trophy for their star quarterback as well as an 11-win season, the program’s first one of those in five years. Heading into year two and with that star QB, Caleb Williams, back for one more year, excitement surrounding the Trojans offense couldn’t be higher.

It was the defense that ultimately held USC back from achieving even loftier goals last season, like appearing in the College Football Playoff. Riley’s unit could score with anyone, but if they had even a slightly off night on offense, the defense was just so much weaker that the wound up having to battle in a lot of close games and even lost two of them.

So, with that offense lined up for another massive year, the primary focus for USC is raising their defensive floor. One anonymous coach, who spoke with Athlon Sports, isn’t so sure the program will take that next step defensively in 2023. Though this coach respects defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, he still sees a vulnerable unit that just doesn’t have the talent up front.

“On defense, they’re still really susceptible, and you can push them around,” said the coach, per Athlon. “I think they kept (Alex) Grinch because he’s a great culture guy and a big motivator, and he can recruit. But they haven’t added enough to where the perception has changed. You can run on their front seven; you can beat them up.”

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With such questions swirling around the defense, this coach pointed to a few other Pac-12 teams as having more balanced rosters heading into the season.

“They’re a step behind Utah and maybe Washington as far as a complete team,” the coach said of the Trojans. “Offensively, though? They might be the best team in the country.”

That creates an odd dilemma, where USC’s star power and sheer talent on offense make them by far the most lethal scoring team in the Pac-12, but they just don’t have a defense that gives you much confidence.

“It’s a strange case where this is the most talented team in the league for sure, but I don’t know a lot of coaches who would pick these guys over Utah after playing a full season. So there’s still that stigma that they’re the sports car that can break down on you.”

Obviously, it was Utah who was ultimately the Achilles heel for the 2022 Trojans, so you can understand why many coaches, perhaps even this guy, are backing the Utes in the Pac-12. But then again, you look at USC’s talent and see some firepower that other teams just don’t have.

Let’s see how it all unfolds.