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USC may need to take another look at its pass defense

Pete Carroll wants USC to be known as Cornerback U, where aggressive players enjoy the challenge of going one-on-one with receivers.

"We need great corners here," Carroll said. "They have to really be able to play."

With 37 interceptions in his first two seasons, not to mention USC's overall success, Carroll has established an image as a defensive guru. But an ugly stat emerged this week, when the NCAA's national rankings showed the Trojans have the nation's 109th-ranked passing defense, better than only eight teams in the nation and more fitting of the moniker Cornerback PU.

Among Pacific-10 Conference schools, USC ranks last, surrendering 292.8 yards per game.

"Really? Now I didn't know that. That's news to me," USC cornerback Ronald Nunn said. "That's not too good, though. We didn't want that stat. I don't like that stat."

By comparison, Texas, the No. 1 pass defense, allows 110 yards per game. It's particularly surprising because USC's secondary was considered one of the nation's best before the season.

"There can't be too many corners better in the Pac-10," Nunn said.

Even Carroll admits he's not pleased with the results through five games.

"We're not as tough on people as I'd like," he said.Carroll cited the departure of senior safeties Troy Polamalu and DeShaun Hill, along with senior cornerback Darrell Rideaux, all starters last season.

"We're still finding our way a little bit," he said.

Still, USC starts two regarded cornerbacks (Marcell Allmond, Will Poole) this season, and free safety Jason Leach started two games last season. The nickel back, Nunn, is a redshirt junior who started two games last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury.Carroll said that though the stats are bothersome, they're not something to be too worried about.

"I'd only be really concerned if you're not successful on third-down conversions or if you're getting beat deep," Carroll said.

Third-down conversions plagued the Trojans during a loss to California two weeks ago, when the Golden Bears were 11 for 18. Last week, the Trojans rebounded on third downs, stopping Arizona State 13 of 18 times. But there are other factors that contributed to the defensive breakdown, especially from a statistical standpoint.

After five games, opposing offenses have run 74 more plays than at the same point last season."I knew we were on the field a lot at Cal," Nunn said.

That could be a fallout of life after Carson Palmer, since it would be unrealistic to expect this year's offense to control the ball as easily as a year ago. Another revealing number is time of possession: The Trojans rank eighth in the Pac-10, averaging 27 minutes, 45 seconds a game.

"We were in for 86 plays against Arizona State. That's a lot," Poole said.

USC allowed 194 yards passing in the fourth quarter against Hawaii, when it essentially played reserves who rarely see the field.

"Hawaii throws around 400 passes a game," Allmond said. "It's just because we played a lot of passing teams."

Added Nunn: "We have given up some passes late in the fourth quarter. Cal took it to us a little bit, but we're doing our stuff right."

Another difference is that Allmond has struggled. USC is 12-1 with him as a starter, but Carroll pulled the converted receiver during the Cal and Arizona State games after breakdowns.

"My ankle was bothering me and I screwed up a big play on third-and-20 against Arizona State," Allmond said.

Allmond also is facing more pass plays than last season, when an opponent might feel compelled to pick on Rideaux, who was 5-foot-8. By contrast, Poole is 6-foot and started a season at Boston College before transferring.

"We're balanced out now. Will's a great corner. I'm the least experienced," Allmond said. "Of course, they're going to come after me."
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