That was a masterful performance by the secondary. They gave up some plays (that happens when you play man) but overall played great coverage. Basically everyone had a pass breakup. Adoree and Sua had dropped INTs.
In the 4th Quarter, after Adoree swatted another pass towards Payton, the commentator said he hadn't seen a team play man defense this well for a full game.
Just goes to show you that USC has always had talented athletes to play SEC-style lockdown secondary defense. It's just about the HC and DC being able to stomach the risk/reward. We played single man coverage the WHOLE GAME. I doubt even Pete or Monte would have been so risk averse (not to say Pete wouldn't still be successful).
The Bruins had guys open a few times but Rosen was pressured just enough to overthrow his passes. More often than not, the DBs were close enough to the WR to force a very accurate throw (easier said than done). Rosen is pretty accurate, but even he was off by a few feet on many throws (likely because of pressure).
This game reminded me of the bowl game vs Fresno & Derek Carr. Again, an accurate QB who is now thriving in the NFL. But Clancy Pendergast rolled the dice, played man, blitzed the QB, and the pressure was enough to throw off their passing game.
In the 4th Quarter, after Adoree swatted another pass towards Payton, the commentator said he hadn't seen a team play man defense this well for a full game.
Just goes to show you that USC has always had talented athletes to play SEC-style lockdown secondary defense. It's just about the HC and DC being able to stomach the risk/reward. We played single man coverage the WHOLE GAME. I doubt even Pete or Monte would have been so risk averse (not to say Pete wouldn't still be successful).
The Bruins had guys open a few times but Rosen was pressured just enough to overthrow his passes. More often than not, the DBs were close enough to the WR to force a very accurate throw (easier said than done). Rosen is pretty accurate, but even he was off by a few feet on many throws (likely because of pressure).
This game reminded me of the bowl game vs Fresno & Derek Carr. Again, an accurate QB who is now thriving in the NFL. But Clancy Pendergast rolled the dice, played man, blitzed the QB, and the pressure was enough to throw off their passing game.
Last edited:
