Football team focuses on defensive prep

Sitting at 1-3 and facing a torrent of criticism, The Trojans could easily feel some self-pity. After all, the program’s season seems to be hanging by a thread less than a month in, thanks to losses to three top-25 opponents — all away from home. The team’s only game in the Coliseum so far this year came against Utah State, where USC cruised to a 45-7 victory over the Aggies.

But no one was making excuses at Howard Jones Field on Wednesday, as the Trojans continued to prepare for their matchup against Arizona State this Saturday. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast was disappointed in his unit’s performance last week against Utah, especially by the Utes’ 93-yard, game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter.

“Situational football was disappointing,” Pendergast said. “We let two big third downs get converted … and obviously the touchdown was disappointing. There weren’t a whole lot of good things on that drive or in many parts of that game.”

Taming the Sun Devils

After last weekend’s debacle, USC worked throughout the week to regroup defensively, especially with Arizona State’s dual-threat signal caller Manny Wilkins coming to the Coliseum. His last time out, the sophomore Sun Devil quarterback torched Cal for 362 combined yards through the air and on the ground, and he found the endzone four times — running it in thrice.

Head coach Clay Helton called containing Wilkins a “primary concern” during Wednesday’s practice.

“I’m beyond impressed by … his pocket sense, being able to create [running opportunities] off of pass attempts,” Helton said.

Arizona State can produce in the other phases of the game as well. The Sun Devils scored touchdowns off an interception and on an onside kick return against the Golden Bears, and redshirt junior safety Chris Hawkins stressed the need to be stingy on all facets of defense, including special teams.

“They scored 31 [points] in the fourth quarter, right? That’s impressive,” Hawkins said. “We have to limit them. We can’t expect our offense to score 60 points.”

Senior linebacker Michael Hutchings agreed with his teammate. The Trojans’ co-captain admitted the defense was still a work in progress, and had to continue making strides.

“The huge thing for us is being more assignment sound,” Hutchings said. “We still haven’t gotten there yet, to where everyone is really comfortable on the field and not making too many mistakes.”

Offensive Tweaks

Despite USC’s disappointing performance against Utah, Helton said he thought the loss was “by far our best game” and was happy to see the offense gaining chunks of yardage on drives.

“The problem was some of those chunks ended up being fumbles,” Helton said.

Helton remained upbeat about his squad’s progress, from star junior wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to the running back corps. He praised Smith-Schuster’s performance against Utah, in which he had eight receptions for 98 yards, and said the Trojans’ improved running game gave the dynamic receiver more chances via the pass.

“When you’re running the ball for 200 yards-plus, you’re going to get man-to-man [coverage],” Helton said. “We did, and we took that opportunity.”

In the same vein, Helton looks to give senior tailback Justin Davis more touches. Helton said he wanted Davis to get the ball 20 to 25 times per game, and he also said sophomore back Ronald Jones II was “ready to explode,” as USC looks to establish a ground game.

“I love the balance of the game,” Helton said. “If I had to err, I would love to err towards the run game, as we all know.”

Injury Updates

Finally, Helton provided some updates on injured Trojans. Senior right tackle Zach Banner practiced lightly on Wednesday with an ankle issue but is expected back in practice by Thursday. Helton said freshman cornerback Jack Jones was “a lot closer” to returning than expected and could also be back on Thursday.

Redshirt junior defensive tackle Khaliel Rodgers suffered a wrist injury and sophomore running back Dominic Davis hurt his knee during Wednesday’s practice, but neither is expected to miss any time.