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USC will need its pass defense to step up in Stanford rematch
After giving up a school-record six touchdown passes against Oregon two weeks ago, USC's secondary put on a show against UCLA in its 40-21 win to clinch the Pac-12 South.
What changed for the Trojans? Well, the Trojans went to an aggressive man-to-man defense for nearly the entire game.
"Man coverage, that's what DBs are here for, to lock down receivers. They gave us the opportunity to do that and we did it," safety Chris Hawkins said, per Bakersfieldnow.com.
USC star sophomore Adoree' Jackson loved the play-calling and suggested that the coaching staff needs to believe in its star players.
"That's what we need from our coaches to have confidence in us and believe in us. We can just do the rest," Jackson said.
As the Trojans prepare to play Stanford on Saturday for the Pac-12 title, the coaches believe their guys have progressed to the point that they can matchup up with a very physical Cardinal team.
"One of the things that gives me confidence is actually how they have progressed as a unit," head coach Clay Helton said. "You're seeing some younger kids that are developing into better defensive backs now. I like where these kids are at, especially the confidence that they gained from that last game."
