USC defense lacks toughness and physicality — and a victory doesn’t change that fact

USC’s defense did make a few important plays, but the larger reality is that this unit is simply not ready for prime time.

Yes, USC did beat Arizona on Saturday night. The Trojans won, 43-41. Yet, USC fans aren’t especially happy or confident. They are relieved with one win on one night, but they know this level of performance from the defense simply won’t cut it in the future. The Trojans are nowhere near ready to beat Washington or Oregon. They might not be ready to beat Utah on October 21 if Cam Rising returns to the field for the Utes in that game.

The odds of USC making the Pac-12 Championship Game are not great. If the Trojans can’t get back to Las Vegas, this season will be a total failure. Things have to change — substantially — for this team to realize its potential.

The defense simply can’t go on like this. Let’s give you a taste of how the evening went in the Coliseum against an Arizona offense which often punched the Trojans in the mouth: