USC has kicked off the season with promise, driven by a capable offense led by quarterback Miller Moss. The Trojans have been steadily improving but are yet to break the 50-point mark this season. They scored 27 points against LSU in the opener and followed it up with a 48-0 win yesterday. While the offense shows potential, the defense is also progressing, making key stops and finding its rhythm under head coach Lincoln Riley.

Riley, always the realist, praised the defense following the 48-0 demolition but acknowledged the work still needed. “We’re seeing positive changes on defense,” Riley said, “but we’ve still got a long way to go.” It’s clear that while the offense is effective, a true championship run will depend on tightening up the defense.

Despite the defensive unit’s ups and downs, team chemistry and spirit have been improving each week, and that’s what Riley is banking on. In a recent press conference, Riley reflected on his team’s progress, acknowledging that while the offense has been solid, the defense holds the key to reaching their full potential this season.

He seems to be content with what he is doing but gets a clear realization there is more to be achieved. He was equally enthusiastic while lauding the energy of the unit and how they have come together in the field.

Building blocks: USC’s defense coming together

“There’s just a long way to go, now, but shoot, we couldn’t be more excited about what they’re doing,” Riley said, pointing to the energy the defense is displaying. He is optimistic about what he can do with that group, but it is still the beginning of the season and Riley himself is aware that there is so much more that can be done. That defense has been flying around making plays and in essence, stepping up in unison as a collective entity.

The defense of USC has different players and has different coaching staff too, however, the underlined team has complied well. “It’s really important, it’s really great,”. Riley added when probed on how the defense has it on the field. Riley agrees, that there is so much more that needs to be achieved although his tone is full of hope. “I think we’ve done a pretty decent job in the first two games,” he said.  

As for the defense, USC’s defense is still in the process of development, although, some positive changes were identified in the team. Riley’s comments reflect a defense that is slowly establishing its personality and all of it starts with the players collaborating. “new staff, new players, but they come together to play as one”, Riley said. Showing that there must be good chemistry in the building of a good defense. It is not just about the talent of the players, it is about how the players are slowly beginning to build trust with each other.

Right now, the team has demonstrated that the players are capable of flying around to make plays, asserts Riley, but the games are yet to become more competitive.