The USC Trojans have to find solutions on defense if they want to make this season a fulfilling and ultimately successful one. Alex Grinch knows this, but knowing something and actually solving the problem are two different things.
Grinch talked to the assembled press after USC practice on Tuesday. There was nothing especially explosive in these six minutes of discussion with reporters and beat writers, but one noteworthy detail was the simple fact that Grinch alluded to the familiarity of this situation, and that some patterns and realities are still emerging in Year 2 of his USC tenure.
That simple and obvious fact points to the reality that the coaching staff’s words to the players aren’t really getting through. They aren’t sinking in. One basic thing Grinch said he has conveyed to his players: Play hard for 60 minutes, not just 40. USC played 40 decent defensive minutes against Colorado but then imploded in the final 20.
We’re in Week 5 — moving into Week 6 — of a season. Players not being focused for all 60 minutes certainly rates as a basic and considerable problem. We will see if USC’s defense can begin to play with more maturity and consistency in the weeks ahead.
*
Follow Buffaloes Wire for complete coverage of Deion Sanders and Colorado.
Follow Ducks Wire for coverage of Oregon football leading into the big game against Washington on October 14.
USC win over Colorado feels hollow because Alex Grinch isn’t doing his job.
Experts think Alex Grinch will prevent USC from making the Pac-12 Championship Game.
#USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch addresses the defensive deficiencies from the Colorado game https://t.co/AjG35tgmdl via @YouTube
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) October 4, 2023
The coach who ripped Jordan Addison for transferring to USC is now staring at a humiliating season in Pittsburgh.