After its second and final bye week, USC is full-steam ahead for the remainder of the season, a long journey that begins with a game in Lincoln, Nebraska this weekend.
The Trojans squandered an opportunity to win in South Bend two weeks ago, and most jarring were the immense defensive struggles from missed tackles to poor gap integrity to lack of discipline in one-on-one situations.
USC’s Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade came in at just 51.0—a glaring indicator of how much work needed to be done.
Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn suggested on Wednesday that the work has been put in.
“We did a lot of just focusing on us, fundamentals and trying to get guys as many reps as possible,” he said.
Redshirt senior safety Bishop Fitzgerald discussed what the defense has been working on in practice.
“Fundamentals, run game stuff, making sure we’re fundamentally sound, fitting gaps, flowing the right way just so we can stop giving opponents free plays,” Fitzgerald said.
The words ‘fundamentals’ and getting back to ‘day one football’ were thrown around repeatedly by Lynn and his players but seven games into the season, it gets to a point where those words must turn into action. The on-field product hasn’t justified the talk.
Heading into Saturday, the biggest concern is still tackling. The Trojans allowed over 300 rushing yards in their loss to Notre Dame. USC’s defensive line will be tested yet again, this time against junior running back Emmett Johnson.
“Nebraska’s back compared to these other backs, really all backs, he breaks a lot of tackles in space…like a lot,” Lynn said. “Not just the backs but all the skill positions. When you look at their explosive plays it’s a lot of runs, a lot of screens, a lot of RPOs, so tackling in space is gonna be huge this week.”
Johnson is quietly putting together one of the most productive seasons in college football. His biggest weapon isn’t just his speed or vision through pockets— it’s his elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss.
“Even if it’s a six-yard gain he’s breaking four or five tackles,” Lynn continued.
Johnson has made it into the end zone nine times this season, racking up 837 yards on 146 carries. His physical running style is strikingly similar to Notre Dame’s junior back Jeremiyah Love, who had a career game against the Trojans.
When asked about the confidence level and mindset coming out of the bye, redshirt junior safety Kamari Ramsey said that faith within the program comes naturally.
“That’s just the kind of team we are, we never give up, we persevere through anything, through a lot of ups and downs so we’re gonna bounce back for sure,” Ramsey said.
The Cornhuskers’ play-caller Dylan Raiola has one of the best deep balls in the game and his efficiency in the pocket is an added challenge. He holds onto the ball the most out of all the quarterbacks the Trojans have seen, placing an additional level of pressure on the secondary.
“When he’s holding onto the ball he’s not looking to scramble, he’ll scramble at times but his eyes are downfield and they do a good job converting their routes,” Lynn said. “So depending on if we’re in man coverage or if we’re in zone we have to make sure we’re on top of it and not giving up big plays.”
Communication, as it was two weeks ago, is a continued focal point for the Trojans.
“We still have things we need to work on, being more vocal and making sure that everyone signs off before plays,” Fitzgerald said.
He added that since the team has been in this situation before, they’re hungry to right the ship, and playing with an edge and something to prove will carry them through the remainder of the season.
The question after a week of rest is whether the Trojans can finally get over the hump and consistently perform against powerful opponents.
If USC wants to prove their win over Michigan wasn’t a fluke, then consistency on the defensive side of the ball is essential. The fundamentals and day one issues must end. Measured improvements game by game will be crucial, especially with Northwestern, Iowa and Oregon still on the schedule.