USC Football Mailbag: Misusing the Nickel Defense?

Why did USC persist with the nickel defense against Utah? What are the odds the Trojans are bowl eligible?…Our weekly USC football mailbag seeks the answers.

Welcome to the Reign of Troy mailbag, a weekly feature, where we will answer all questions related to USC football.

If you have a question for the mailbag, send it in to @ReignOfTroy on Twitter or via email to reignoftroy@fansided.com.

Let’s get started:

I get Clancy likes to use nickel D , but how the heck can u stop multiple 4th and 1’s using 2 DL and ur LBs 5 yrds off ball?— LA Fred @USCfred

Good question. The short answer is that you can’t, as USC learned the hard way (at least we hope) against Utah.

It should be pointed out that Clancy Pendergast does not like to sub very much, and likes to keep doing the same thing during drives. Considering that Utah was running so much on fourth down, he should have brought in a third defensive lineman.

Why does Justin Davis not get more 4th qt carries? What will it take for USC to make a move with the coaching staff?— Punt On @plh55

Clay was asked this question after the game and the next day on his conference call; his answer both times were that USC has a running back rotation and also that they did not get many opportunities to have the ball in the fourth quarter.

Even so, this shows a lack of game awareness on Helton’s part. A head coach needs to have a feel for who is playing well, and make the other team have to stop it rather than just going away from it.

As far as moving on from this staff, Lynn Swann is probably already thinking about it, considering that USC may not make a bowl game this season and seeing that Clay Helton is not pushing the team in the right direction.

However, if Helton were let go now, that would be the third midseason firing USC has had in five years, so expect him to make it through this season at least.

What affect do you think losing a game that we clearly should have won will have on the team?— @Toptrojanfan

Since Helton has been named permanent head coach, USC has gone 1-5 (let that sink in) and have not beaten a Power 5 opponent. Yet, players don’t seem surprised or even angry when they lose; they have adopted Helton’s attitude of smiling and pretending that all is well or saying that “we are getting close.”

This is one reason that the sooner Helton is terminated, the better. A team takes on the identity of its coach, and the temperament of Helton will not get USC a Pac-12 title, let alone a playoff invitation, which is the USC standard.

Odds we end the season bowl eligible? Gotta be less than 50% at this point right?— Mats @doormatt26

At this point I would say it is 50-50 USC makes a bowl game. The team is too inconsistent to predict, and none of the games they have coming up are automatic wins. Add in Helton’s blunders, and you are not sure of anything at the moment.

If USC wins 3 in a row, how would you feel about Clay? Do you think it’s realistic they can win there next three?— Kris @krischavez524

The next three games are Arizona State., Colorado, and Arizona. The first two are at home, where Helton is undefeated as a head coach; Arizona is on the road.

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I think that while it is possible USC wins all three, I would not bet money on it.

ASU has a very explosive offense and a receiver in N’Keal Harry who will be a major size mismatch on Adoree Jackson (think Patrick at Utah but faster and more physical).

Colorado was neck and neck with Michigan who is the fourth-ranked team in the nation, and will want to beat USC badly after nearly doing so last year. They are also coming off a win against Oregon.

Finally, facing Arizona in the desert at night against Rich Rodriguez is never easy.

I think USC can and should win at least two of the next three, but I sadly would not be surprised if USC lost all three.

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