[Mick]

I don't normally engage in schadenfreude (life is too short), but when USC lost five of its last six games to fall to the Holiday Bowl, I had to laugh. In this article, Pac-12 coaches (former Pac-12 coaches, I suppose I should say) opined as to USC's decline. In sum:

- Didn't sign an LB or DB during the 2020 recruiting cycle, and the 2021 recruits didn't live up to their rankings.
- Since-fired DC Alex Grinch doesn't have the answers and performances were flat against Utah in the title game loss. One coach said Grinch's former defenses were aggressive but sound...and the 2023 USC defense was one of the worst they'd faced, tons of missed tackles.
- DL coach Nua and ILB coach Odom were co-interim DCs for the final games against Oregon and UCLA...and gave up 74 combined points. 
- Tried to add talent through the transfer portal...but when SJSU moved the ball easily against USC in week 1, it was a red flag.
- Run defense got thrashed, bad tackling
- Surprise, surprise...poor discipline cost personal fouls.
- Transfers were a bunch of mercenaries trying to get their own stats, very undisciplined.
- USC ranked 110th nationally in yards per play allowed and 123rd in scoring defense.
- No shutdown corner. No shutdown DL. No game-changing LB. No defensive difference makers.
- OL never jelled...3 yards rushing against UCLA. WRs struggled to get open.
- Poor overall culture. Mismatched priorities. NIL a distraction.
- All the leaders in 2022 graduated. Leadership wasn't replaced.
- "You don't let Hollywood take over your program" said one coach.

https://theathletic.com/5142298/2023/12/...0gmail.com

[Mick]

I don't normally engage in schadenfreude (life is too short), but when USC lost five of its last six games to fall to the Holiday Bowl, I had to laugh. In this article, Pac-12 coaches (former Pac-12 coaches, I suppose I should say) opined as to USC's decline. In sum:

- Didn't sign an LB or DB during the 2020 recruiting cycle, and the 2021 recruits didn't live up to their rankings.
- Since-fired DC Alex Grinch doesn't have the answers and performances were flat against Utah in the title game loss. One coach said Grinch's former defenses were aggressive but sound...and the 2023 USC defense was one of the worst they'd faced, tons of missed tackles.
- DL coach Nua and ILB coach Odom were co-interim DCs for the final games against Oregon and UCLA...and gave up 74 combined points. 
- Tried to add talent through the transfer portal...but when SJSU moved the ball easily against USC in week 1, it was a red flag.
- Run defense got thrashed, bad tackling
- Surprise, surprise...poor discipline cost personal fouls.
- Transfers were a bunch of mercenaries trying to get their own stats, very undisciplined.
- USC ranked 110th nationally in yards per play allowed and 123rd in scoring defense.
- No shutdown corner. No shutdown DL. No game-changing LB. No defensive difference makers.
- OL never jelled...3 yards rushing against UCLA. WRs struggled to get open.
- Poor overall culture. Mismatched priorities. NIL a distraction.
- All the leaders in 2022 graduated. Leadership wasn't replaced.
- "You don't let Hollywood take over your program" said one coach.

https://theathletic.com/5142298/2023/12/...0gmail.com