USC needs to learn important lessons from rest of Big Ten during bye week

There really is not too much room for debate. USC needs to find a way to toughen up. While this was something that was known entering into the season, the way the games have unfolded has highlighted this drastic concern.

At first, things looked highly promising on the line of scrimmage. The Illinois game, though, showed that things can always turn ugly in a hurry in the Big Ten.

This league is the most physically demanding that there is in all of college football. Teams that may not have the requisite quarterback talent or well-rounded roster simply find ways to muddy up games and force the opponent into playing their style of football.

Teams that fail to adjust tend to learn the hard way.

During the ongoing bye week, USC needs to take note and watch how the fellow Big Ten compatriots aim to control the critical area of the field.

Perhaps highlights from the Illinois run game need to be revisited to bring a fire in the belly of the Trojan program. That, along with how the other teams in the conference attempt to implant their will on the game, makes it absolutely critical for the Trojans to match the nature of what can be seen in the Big Ten on a weekly basis.

Consistent concern of USC program

This is something that stuck out like a sore thumb during the 2024 season. Critics continue to doubt if this program can fit the needed demands of the conference under coach Lincoln Riley.

At this point, if the game against Illinois does not inspire and bring about the needed change, surely nothing will. The USC season is on the line.