The sky isn't falling. USC is a matchup nightmare for asu because of the following:
1. USC dbs are elite - our receivers are really good. Our running backs are really good. But USC could crowd the box to stop run because they trust their defensive backs to tackle in space and cover receivers. Helton beat Graham at his own game because he has the talent to do it. ASU has never had that elite level of talent at depth in secondary as a whole ever.
2. Missed opportunities in passing game - tight end in the middle of field and running back wheel routes good have bludgened usc last night just like other teams do to asu but Wilkins and maybe Lindsey missed the clues because the stacking the box was so unexpected. Hindsight is 20/20 but hopefully the lesson is learned because Washington, Utah and ucla will do the same thing. Other teams can't afford to because their defensive backs are suspect.
3. Can't cover in space - not at linebacker or as defensive backs.
4. Can't tackle - last but not least USC tackled better than asu. We have talked about this as nauseum but I listed USC db talent as number 1 because it had a trickle effect on the result of the game versus the other games asu played. We all knew asu couldn't cover or tackle but USC knew they could cover and tackle so they could stop the run. Lindsey has to help make adjustments to middle of field to make defenses pay in the future.
1. USC dbs are elite - our receivers are really good. Our running backs are really good. But USC could crowd the box to stop run because they trust their defensive backs to tackle in space and cover receivers. Helton beat Graham at his own game because he has the talent to do it. ASU has never had that elite level of talent at depth in secondary as a whole ever.
2. Missed opportunities in passing game - tight end in the middle of field and running back wheel routes good have bludgened usc last night just like other teams do to asu but Wilkins and maybe Lindsey missed the clues because the stacking the box was so unexpected. Hindsight is 20/20 but hopefully the lesson is learned because Washington, Utah and ucla will do the same thing. Other teams can't afford to because their defensive backs are suspect.
3. Can't cover in space - not at linebacker or as defensive backs.
4. Can't tackle - last but not least USC tackled better than asu. We have talked about this as nauseum but I listed USC db talent as number 1 because it had a trickle effect on the result of the game versus the other games asu played. We all knew asu couldn't cover or tackle but USC knew they could cover and tackle so they could stop the run. Lindsey has to help make adjustments to middle of field to make defenses pay in the future.
