USC Football: 3 things we learned from the Trojans’ win over Western Michigan

2. The USC Trojans defense has some developing to do

The USC Trojans came with a lot of hype in 2017. They were a bit shorthanded in the first half without linebacker Cameron Smith in the middle of the field but still, it’s no excuse. If they want to be a top team, their defense is going to need to play a whole lot better than they did.

The Trojans defense played very lethargic against the Broncos and it almost lost them the game. Western Michigan held the ball for 34:40 on offense. USC’s offense had the ball for just 25:20 in the game. Time of possession was key in the Broncos’ ability to almost pull off the upset.

Defensive line allowed 263 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the game. The pass defense held them to just 94  passing yards. The Broncos averaged 5.5 rushing yards per carry. The USC Trojans defense was a work in progress all game long. Missed tackles and miscues kept Western Michigan within striking distance all game.

After forcing two Western Michigan punts, a long 48-yard burst by LeVante Bellamy kept the Broncos in the game. Bellamy took the USC defense to the nearest track and almost broke for more albeit for a tackle by the defense. The Trojans defense prevented the Broncos from scoring a touchdown on the same drive, forcing a field goal.

The Trojans closed out the game with a pick-six, forcing their first turnover in the fourth quarter. Marvel Tell III returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown to cap off a subpar performance from the defense.