USC Football: Defense Embracing Theory About Effectiveness

The USC Trojans defense has been a problem for quite some time now, and their issues have again started to rear their ugly heads. The team saw their third straight shaky performance this weekend, which almost led them to lose a game they had no business in doing.

While the Trojans are still undefeated, the confidence level in this team is very low, and many don't believe they are a top team. The issues on defense are real, and it will likely cost them at some point this season.

But while they know the defense needs some work, the program also has its own theory about the defensive guys. They believe that they get better as the game goes along, and the best version of themselves comes at the end of the game.

“Better with time? Riley repeats it. Players have bought into it. USC’s social media pages promote it. USC’s newest motto.”

Per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The LA Times

However, the results haven't been too consistent, and it has seen the Trojans have to scratch and claw out wins. While the team hasn't dropped a game yet, their schedule gets very difficult the rest of the way.

“The defense preaches ‘the longer we go, the better we get,’ ” said safety Calen Bullock, who delivered a critical pass breakup on a two-point conversion attempt during the second overtime. “We preach that every single day. I think the defense went out there and showed that.”

Per Calen Bullock via The LA Times

The defense will need to improve if the Trojans want any chance to win a National Championship. They can't continue winning these shootout games, as it isn't a sustainable way to win football games.

At some point, the offense will have an off night, and when that happens, it will be game over for the Trojans. They are lucky to be where they are right now, but that luck may be running out.

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