Wilcox is better than we think

Winning really does solve everything in college football. A week after being embarrassed by the Stanford Cardinal, 41-31, the Trojans blew out the Arizona State Sun Devils, 42-14.

Last week everybody was calling for head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox’s heads after another disappointing, early season loss. Fast-forward to today, and some experts think the Trojans will win the Pac-12 South. That’s how much opinions can change from week to week.

As a coach at USC, this is the reality that you have to live with.

The limelight is always shining on you, and it’s basically win or go home for every game. I guess that’s what happens when fans are spoiled from the Pete Carroll era.

But let’s look back at the harsh criticism that the Trojan coaching staff, especially Wilcox, received after a beating from the Cardinal.

Yes, the Trojans were clearly outplayed by the Cardinal and had no answer for the Stanford power running game. The most frustrating part of the game had to have been Stanford converting on 8-12 third downs. The Trojans had numerous chances to get the ball back down one score but couldn’t come through.

As the defensive coordinator, Wilcox was bound to take some heat for the loss, and his job may have been on the line if the Trojans dropped another game to the Sun Devils. Looking back, it seems like the heat on Wilcox was sort of uncalled for.

The Cardinal rolled into the Coliseum as double-digit underdogs after their shocking opening season loss to Northwestern. Every expert picked the Trojans to dismantle the Cardinal on the fact that Stanford couldn’t score a touchdown against Northwestern. Some pretty flawed logic right there.

In fact, the Cardinal may be one of the best teams in the Pac-12 this season. In games not against Northwestern, Stanford has scored an average of 38 points per game while averaging more than 480 yards of total offense.

It seems that all those experts saying Stanford had no offense after one game were too quick to judge.

Or maybe Northwestern, who is currently undefeated, is a pretty good defensive football team.

After all, the Wildcats are only giving up 266 yards a game, good for 11th best in the country, and 8.8 points a game, good for third best in the country. To put it frankly, Stanford’s loss to Northwestern was more about name recognition and less about realizing that the Wildcats are a good football team.

Now, I’m guessing you’re wondering how this relates to Wilcox.

Basically, in games not against Stanford, the USC defense has looked outstanding.

In games against Arkansas State, Idaho and Arizona State, the Trojans have forced eight turnovers and given up a combined 29 points –— 12 less than they gave up to Stanford.

USC was expected to blow out Idaho and Arkansas State, which they did with ease. When the defense faltered against the Cardinal, all eyes were on Wilcox.

Though the Trojans were atrocious on defense against Stanford, they were spectacular against Arizona State. If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought a different team was playing.

The Arizona State game wasn’t the prettiest when you look at the team stats.

USC outgained the Sun Devils by just one yard and Arizona State controlled time of possession.

The difference maker was the defense’s ability to turn the ball over and stop the Sun Devils on third down, two things the Trojans failed to do last week against the Cardinal.

Though the offense was prolific as usual, it was the defense that came up huge time and time again.

With the Sun Devils driving at the end of the first half, Su’a Cravens forced a fumble that was returned 94 yards for a touchdown, giving the Trojans a 28-0 lead.

That fumble all but took the life out of the Sun Devils, as they fumbled on the very next play leading to another touchdown. Going into the half trailing by 14 would have given the Sun Devils hope.

As long as the Trojan defense continues to play well, Wilcox will be in the clear. Another blow out loss and that Stanford game would look less and less like an anomaly and more like the norm.

It’s time we stop judging coaches after one game and let the season play itself out. In a few weeks, that Stanford loss could look much better, especially if Northwestern continues to win.

After all, Wilcox’s defense looked pretty darn good last week.

Nick Barbarino is a senior majoring in business administration. His column, “Beyond the Arc,” runs Thursdays.