College Football

USC doesn’t need 3 pick-sixes, but it needs a run defense vs Stanford

USC doesn’t need 3 pick-sixes, but it needs a run defense vs Stanford

Who had the USC Trojans scoring three pick-sixes in Week 1 against Rice?

Nobody, not even new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Yet, that’s exactly what happened, and the Trojans intercepted the Owls four times to give their defense some extra motivation going into the second week of the season.

A new system, a ton of new talent, and an entirely new staff worked wonders in their debut. Sure, it was against Rice, but this is encouraging.

The task will be tougher against Stanford. Cardinal QB Tanner McKee will be difficult to stop.

Here are five keys for the defense against Stanford, in Lincoln Riley’s first Pac-12 game at USC.

FORCE EVEN MORE TURNOVERS

Sep 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Shane Lee (53) scores a touchdown on an interception return in the second half against the Rice Owls at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Everybody got involved in the Week 1 victory, and here is Shane Lee scoring a touchdown off an interception against Rice.

The Cardinal turned the ball over four times against Colgate somehow, and they simply can’t afford to do that with USC’s high-powered offense on the other sideline. If the Trojans can force some turnovers, this game could get out of hand quickly.

CONTAIN E.J. SMITH

Nov 5, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back E.J. Smith (22) runs with the football during the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

E.J. Smith was electric against Colgate (though it’s only Colgate). He finished with 11 carries for 118 yards and a pair of scores to lead the Stanford rushing attack.

The Trojans’ rushing defense will get a real test with Smith.

KEEP THE BIG PLAYS TO A MINIMUM

Sep 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern…

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