Note to Monte Kiffin: Quarterback Andrew Luck Hits Harder Than USC's Defense

Everyone seems willing to admit that Monte Kiffin's defense made progress over the past week.

I agree, but considering the continued problems hitting and the dreadful tackling, I'd say they've still got some work to do.

They still seem to be lacking a leader, someone to show them how it's done.

Seems that Stanford QB Andrew Luck would do just fine.

Those of you who saw the game know what I'm talking about. For those who didn't, here's a brief synopsis.

Stanford's running back Stepfan Taylor was on a rush play to the outside when he was hit and fumbled the ball. As the ball bounced away from the tackle, it was recovered by USC's senior cornerback Shareece Wright. From the moment Wright touched the football it looked as though he had nothing, but blue skies and green field in front of him.

In the end he only made it seven yards before Stanford QB Andrew Luck came out of nowhere and, BOOM!, laid Wright all over the turf.

Nike's new advertising campaign/slogan is "Boom!" After seeing this play, I believe Nike has found its new mascot.

Here's the video of the play...

On a positive note, USC's defense did make some good plays. They caused the Taylor fumble along with two other fumbles during the game. The bad news is that aside from those turnovers, the only other series in which Stanford did not score was on the opening drive that went three-and-out. Out of 10 Stanford drives, five ended in touchdowns.

In other words, Monte, you and your boys ain't there yet.

The offense, on the other hand, is playing lights-out football. Matt Barkley had almost 400 yards passing with three touchdowns and zero INTs. Robert Woods caught all three of Barkley's TD passes and went for over 200 yards receiving in this game. Woods is the first player in the NCAA to do that this year.

USC's defense continues to struggle week after week. While we are seeing improvement, the defense seems scared to hit, unsure of how to wrap up and with no clue how to lay the boom on anybody.

Trojans, take a few lessons from Andrew Luck. He sure as heck does.