USC Football: Trojans Defense Could Be a Stumbling Block to BCS Title

There are times in life when, in the pursuit of objectivity, a writer is forced to play devils advocate when discussing the merits of the team he writes about.

This is one of those times.

In reviewing the BCS title aspirations of the USC Trojans, there is an awful lot to like about their chances and I have gone on record numerous times to say they will indeed participate in the biggest college game of the 2012 season.

Still, there are question marks and most of those uncertainties reside on the defensive side of the ball.

Last year, Monte Kiffin's boys were less than championship caliber in several important statistical categories, and for USC to entertain notions of winning it all, there will be a need for significant improvement in those areas.

Most Trojan fans will argue that the 2011 USC defense was very young and they will point to the improvement that was attained as the year wore on.

And they would be absolutely right.

But for a BCS title contender, it takes more than potential and for this year's Trojans, they will have to improve.

And the following is where the improvement is needed.

The Trojans Must Improve Opponents Third Down Conversion Rate

There is nothing more aggravating than to see USC's defense play great for two downs and then give up a first down on third and long.

Sadly for Trojan fans in 2011, this happened far too often.

In fact, Monte Kiffin's unit ranked a paltry 63rd in the nation last year in this category.

Granted, not all of these conversions were of the "third-and-long" variety, but that is besides the point.

A stalwart defense must rise to the occasion when the opponent is facing third downs and this was not a strong point last year.

Still, as the season progressed, so did the Trojan defense and this includes (marginally) reducing the conversion rate that was so much of a problem earlier in the season.

In 2012, this stat must improve for the Trojans to entertain BCS championship aspirations.

Giving Up First Downs Was an Even Bigger Issue for USC's Defense in 2011

One of the by products of giving up a lot of third down conversions to your opponents is that it leads to, well, you know, first downs.

Okay, so this thread of logic belongs in the department of "duh," but stay with me.

Last year, those third down conversions, combined with an alarming amount of first downs given up on other downs, contributed to the Trojans finishing a sad 85th in the nation in this statistical department.

Needless to say, this is not acceptable for a defense that has a lot to prove in 2012 and this stat must be improved this year.

Dramatically.

Trojans Must Field a More Opportunistic Defense in 2012

One of the hallmarks of the USC defense during the salad days of the Pete Carroll era was the Trojans ability to win the turnover battle on a routine basis.

Unfortunately, in 2011, this was not the case and a large part of the reason for this was the fact that the defense did not force very many fumbles.

In fact, when opponents coughed up the rock, the Trojan defense only took possession enough times to be ranked a pathetic 86th in the country.

With only eight recovered fumbles, USC's defense only tied for 95th in the nation in total turnovers gained.

That is no way to win the turnover battle.

Is that Pete Carroll cringing in Seattle?

It Is Crucial That the Trojans Defend the Pass Better in 2012

Partly because there was a fairly steep learning curve for the Trojans secondary and partially because opponents couldn't run on USC's defensive line (who ranked 18th overall), those who played the men of Troy often took to the air to make their noise when facing USC in 2011.

And when they did, all too often they found success.

Ranking an abysmal 102nd in the nation in pass defense, USC has far too much talent in its secondary to repeat that dismal performance.

With safety T.J. McDonald and cornerback Nickell Robey anchoring a solid (and now experienced) defensive backfield, the Trojans should be much better in 2012.

They better be if USC is to contend for that crystal football they hand out at the end of the year.

Taken in Its Totality, the Overall Defense Simply Has to Improve

When you put all of the single issues profiled in this slideshow together, it paints a picture of an overall defense that must improve for the Trojans to get where they want to be in 2012.

That is because last year, USC's defense was decidedly pedestrian.

Ranking a middle-of-the-pack 52nd in the nation, the Trojans "D" must find a way to mesh in such a manner that opponents fear that side of the ball in the same manner that Matt Barkley and his cohorts strike terror in the hearts of opposing defensive coordinators.

They have the talent, now they must produce in order to take care of Barkley's "unfinished business."

If they can, USC will go far in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

With the unpleasant business of highlighting the areas of USC's defense that was lacking last year behind me, it is time to get to the reality of 2012.

And the fact of the matter is that in 2011, the Trojans defense was very young and went through some major transitions.

This year, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will be fielding a much more experienced group of guys who have a firm grasp on what he is trying accomplish.

Last year's raw freshmen linebackers will be this years savvy veterans.

The defensive secondary will be anchored by a pair of potential All-Americans and the guys who join them also have benefited by last years experience.

Although there are question marks on the interior of the defensive line, the Trojans return ends Devon Kennard and Wes Horton, both studs.

The future is bright for this defense and the likelihood of last year's disappointment is minimal.

2012 should find USC returning to the dominance on "D" that was a trademark not so long ago.

And when they do, a trip to the BCS National Championship game won't be far behind.