Comments from Illinois following loss need to infuriate USC

It is one thing to lose a game. This is especially true in the Big Ten and particularly on the road. USC once again came close but found itself lacking in critical areas and was unable to get the job done against Illinois.

As shared on X by Shotgun Spratling, offensive line coach Bart Miller made certain to point out his assessment of the battle on the line of scrimmage.

The Illinois coach won the day in that department. Coach Miller certainly has the right to be pleased with his unit following their impressive display. The fact that this aspect cannot particularly be put up for debate speaks to how the Trojan defense was decimated, particularly in the run game.

While this was viewed as a potential coin flip game, few could have foreseen USC being run against the way in which they were.

Before playing the Fighting Illini, the defensive line looked markedly improved, and the Trojan defense was able to consistently generate a pass rush. The line, however, was not able to show quite the same impact on the game as was viewed in the opening matchups.

Telling remarks against USC

To have a coach of a recently played opponent come out and outright state what was stated, though, in this matter has to fuel an improved unit and more determined defense.

Depending on how the rest of this season plays out, in some ways, the Illinois game could end up being a positive. If, however, USC continues to show some of the same characteristics that ultimately led to the loss, then the latest setback will simply be viewed as a preview of what was to come for the rest of the slate of Big Ten matchups.