Football | October 05, 2022
Last week it was Arizona State’s Emory Jones; this week it’s Washington State’s Cameron Ward. USC’s defense will face another difficult challenge on Saturday, battling its second consecutive mobile quarterback in the Coliseum. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch shared Wednesday why it’s such a tall task.
“The quarterback extending plays, they can make a bad play a good play real quick,” Grinch explained. “They can punish you for having good coverage. They can punish you for doing things right, which is the worst situation you could possibly be in defensively.”
So how can the Trojans’ prepare for the unscripted nature of a mobile quarterback?
“There’s not a magic answer for it,” Grinch said bluntly. “One of the things is making sure when you get a chance to get them down, you got to find a way to and you got to make sure as best you can. If you’re not specifically in coverage, it’s all hands on deck.”
The irony was not lost on Grinch when explaining the grievances that arise when defending a signal caller who can extend plays with his legs. His words likely echoed what defensive coordinators say each week when preparing for USC’s own quarterback, Caleb Williams.
“That’s why everybody loves having a scrambling quarterback, and we certainly love having ours,” Grinch said with a smile.
Notes from USC’s Wednesday practice of Washington State Week:
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Grinch was asked about the status of linebacker Shane Lee heading into Saturday’s matchup. “We’ll play him if he’s available,” Grinch said simply.
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Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon shared how USC’s defensive backs can counter Cameron Ward’s mobility:
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