This was supposed to be a game where we learned a little more about USC.
A chance for the Trojans to erase some of the mistakes that kept the Purdue game closer than it should have been.
Instead, Michigan State again illustrated the already known strengths and weaknesses of this USC team, which are clear after four unremarkable opponents.
USC has an explosive offense between its quarterback, two top receivers and two running backs. That surprises no one.
But the defense is showing characteristics of the Alex Grinch Era. Does D’Anton Lynn think he is making a good case for the UCLA job?
Unlike the media fanboys, I’ve been critical of the pass defense since the start of the season and it was abysmal Saturday night. No one covered the Michigan State receiver on the Spartans’ first TD. On another TD, no one covered the running back out of the backfield but the quarterback threw to another open receiver instead.
Then, late in the game, cornerback DJ Harvey got burned on a 75-yard touchdown pass.
It’s not a College Football Playoff-worthy defense.
The defense also committed eight penalties. On two key plays, USC had 12 men on the field. One came after a timeout. After a timeout! That’s inexcusable. The other 12 men on the field penalty was on a fourth down for Michigan State.
Riley defended USC’s 27 penalties the past three games by saying the teams with the fewest penalties nationally are often “shitty teams.”
Well, you can twist stats to show whatever you want. But entering the weekend, Oregon was tied for fifth and Georgia was tied for 11th nationally for fewest penalties. Elite teams don’t have to commit penalties.
Michigan State scored a touchdown on a drive aided by three defensive penalties.
All of this continues to scream the point that USC’s defense could have big problems against a good team. Illinois was supposed to be the first good opponent but the Illini lost to Indiana, 63-10.
But the way USC’s defense has looked, Illinois might still be a problem.
InsideUSC with Scott Wolf 
What you saw last night will be what you see every game from here on out, a struggle.
Yes, the offense looks good but, have they played a good team yet ? The answer is NO.
The defense is still a mess, the DB’s can’t cover anyone.
2 guys on uscfootall,com said this could be a 10 win team, always nice to start the day with a laugh.
LikeLike
Maybe they should put Kamari Ramsey back at free safety. Some of the problems with the dbs appear to be poor communication. Ramsey is intelligent and can communicate well. Agree that we are not a playoff team until we can fix the coverage problems. The fact that we have not improved over four games does not bode well. Why not try some new bodies? R.J. Sermons? When does Chase Johnson return? DJ Harvey is a disaster.
LikeLiked by 2 people
When will Prophet Brown return? He’s the best corner we have [or had].
LikeLiked by 1 person
When you get a team down, step on their throats. USC lacks that killer instinct. Up by 21 points in the fourth quarter, offense is dominating the line of scrimmage and then your team gives up 14 points in 5 minutes and MSU pulls to within a touchdown. That never happened with the great McKay, Robinson, or Carroll teams. Those teams owned the fourth quarter. Riley and Helton teams try to find a way to give the game away.
LikeLiked by 2 people
KAM: Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action will host a historic event, Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk, on Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The event will bring together students, supporters, and national leaders from all across the country, including special guest and Charlie’s friend, President Donald Trump, to celebrate Charlie’s legacy and continue the fight for the principles he championed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB9B47ADhCY…
DON: The event will honor the extraordinary life and impact of Charlie Kirk, Founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, who inspired millions of young people in America, and indeed around the world, to embrace the values of freedom, faith, and family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLike
Disgusting. Should be locked up until he is too old to hurt anyone else.
Reminded me of that huge student who beat up the T.A. out in the hallway after she took away his Nintendo. That scumbag only got 5 years! He’ll probably be out in 2.
LikeLike
BARSTOW…….. MAN UP PEENIE BOY
LikeLike
Imagine if SC lost?
This is a work in progress.
Much improved team compared to last years.
CFP bound, likely not but as long as they can have top 5 recruiting class and lock up CA, they will be fine.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are only marginally better. If we see the kind of improvement from last year to this year, in each of the next 5-6 years, Riley might make the playoffs in year 9 or 10 of his contract.
LikeLike
another lame football comment, pathetic
stick to political trolling, it’s all you know.
BARSTOW?
LikeLike
Domani Jackson, Ceyair Wright and Xavier Alford are starting defensive backs for other programs. Spoiled, entitled overprivleged men who complain about not being made happy. By selfish, young men who aren’t training the way they need to train like a champion. Get over yourselves, they are better than last year.
But not good enough to win everything this year. It is what it is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trojans opened as 1.5 point favorites….current line has USC as a 6.5 favorite over Illinois at their own place….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m hoping USC wins by 6.750 points. Gotta beat the spread.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Perhaps Ed. G could explain how those fractional points work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Easy- peasy: In goal situations, touchdowns on 4th down = 6.750 points …
#TouchdownsOn1stDown=7.125Points
#[ItJustShouldn’tTake4DownsToGo10Yards]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trump said criticism of him is illegal. Impeach now.
LikeLike
Scooter,
I am genuliy shocked about SC’s offense. the qb has improved and SC is running the ball. Defense is shot with db’s. If they can lock down the defense, then SC can do well. SC has always been known about their defense.
LikeLiked by 2 people