Reply To: 4 Games in, What’s the Biggest USC Team Surprise?

[Anonymous]

They have played two real teams. And didn’t cover the spread against either.

Biggest team surprise?  That they can’t keep their hands out of the other team’s faces on Defense.  That they are #2 in the country in some offense penalty category, forget what.  Lining up offsides maybe?  The penalties on the defense are abysmal.

I think the RB combo is enlightening.  I think the run blocking from the OL is poor.

I think the use of tight ends is a plus.  I think the lack of depth and use of WR not named Lemon or Lane is disturbing.    I guess the game plan is to shut USC’s run game down and double team Lemon.  I take my chances with McRee and Lyons and dare any of USC’s other WR to beat me with Lane out of the lineup.  The QB isn’t going to run much.

I think the D is too penalty prone.  It reminds me of the USC D under Grinch in 2022.  They make big plays and give up even more big plays.  The difference is they get to the QB more often.  Secondary play might be the worst I have seen in Riley’s 4 years.  Yet they have 3 INT.

USC looked like they really were set up for a fall at Illinois but I am hoping they have enough to go on the road and do this.  That would be huge beating a ranked team and going 5-0.  Also would then allow them to come home and have two weeks to get ready for a beatable Michigan team.    Beat Illinois and they will be Top 15 going into the Michigan game.  Beat Michigan and they will be Top 10 going into ND.

They have a lot to fix between now and then to make those happen.   They can lose all 3 of the next 3 games.