Joel Klatt details why USC's defense is 'alarming'

USC is pretty talented but two losses in a row showcased its “alarming” defense, as Joel Klatt describes the unit.

The Fox Sports analyst detailed why USC’s defense ultimately fell short in losses to Notre Dame and Utah. It’s practically baffling considering what the Trojans bring to the table on offense with Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Joining The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Klatt broke down the problems with USC’s defense.

“Now, there’s more alarming things that are showing up on the film for USC, other than personnel deficiencies,” Klatt said. “Like the defensive film for USC is alarming in the sense that they’re misaligned. They don’t react to the motions and formations and movement correctly …

“Bryson Barnes … when you look at some of the ways that (Utah) scored, on your screen right now is a wheel route from the running back he’s not even touched. Why? Because they’ve got a defensive end and coverage against the running backs.” 

Klatt was seemingly stunned at the lack of USC using proper personnel and getting aligned correctly. Simple mistakes really.

“It’s like hold on, we can’t we can’t do that,” Klatt said. “On one of the quarterback sneaks or not sneak, draw for a touchdown, they were in an empty formation so all the running backs out of the backfield. 

“And USC literally had only two defenders inside the tackle box. It’s a walk in. You can’t defend that way in the motion, man, doesn’t insert themselves, they’re constantly outside of their gaps and misaligned and missing assignments. That’s the bigger issue. And then the other part is I think that there’s a real frustration on some when it comes to the aggression of the defensive calls at inopportune moments.”

Well, teh defense cost USC two games and a chance at the College Football Playoff, barring something unforeseen. Head coach Lincoln Riley said the team still has plenty to play for.

“Our fight cannot be questioned,” Riley said. “We got to play better, we realize that. Also important for us to take stock of, you know, we still sit in the very advantageous position in this conference. We got some big opportunities coming up, there’s a lot left that’s going to happen and if we continue to fight and prepare the way that we did this week, we’ll have our chances.

“So we gotta gotta get past it. Gotta get on to the next one.”