USC soccer l when it had a nasty protection led by a bonecrushing line of defense. Nobody is saying the s are going to have that in 2026. This isn’t going to be an elite protection. Right here's the factor: It doesn't must be.
The bar doesn't must be set that prime for USC on protection in 2026. We have now to do not forget that USC's three losses in 2025 had been atrocious defensive performances. Illinois, Notre Dame, and Oregon had been dangerous defensive video games. In all three contests, USC's defensive entrance acquired pushed round. The Trojans appeared weak for a majority of these video games. There was by no means a way that USC's protection was secure, basically competent, and all the time in the suitable place to make performs. Notre Dame rammed the ball down USC's throat. Illinois and Oregon had extra of a run-pass combine however constantly moved the ball. USC acquired overwhelmed and overrun a lot most of the time.
All three groups – Illinois, Notre Dame, and Oregon – scored a minimum of 34 factors towards USC, however greater than that, they managed the ball and minimized USC possessions. The Trojans don't want to carry opponents below 20 factors and dominate in 2026. If they only held opponents below 30 factors and shaved perhaps two minutes time of possession from 2025 totals, that’s most likely going to be sufficient to show a 9-3 2025 document into the 10-2 document USC must make the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
USC doesn't want a tremendous 2026 protection, only a unit which is clearly a couple of notches higher than 2025. That's not asking an excessive amount of.
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This text initially appeared on Trojans Wire: r
