Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
USC jumped out of the gate rated No.1 in the country, now they lead the FBS in penalties with more than 10 per game and sit at No.17 in the most recent BCS standings.
Who is to blame for their disappointed 6-2 start this season? Coach Lane Kiffin has received a hefty dose of criticism, and he’ll be the first to tell you the critics aren’t far off.
On Friday, Kiffin was a guest on ESPN Radio’s The Herd with host Colin Cowherd. Kiffin said he deserves “a lot” of the blame for USC’s two losses this year and their lack of discipline with all their penalties. Much of the responsibility falls upon the coach when his team takes penalties and turns the football over.
What about quarterback Matt Barkley? Quarterbacks often times get too much credit when the team exceeds expectations and too much of the blame when the team is doing poorly. Barkley and the offense have done their part for almost the entire season this year, it’s been the defense that hasn’t held up their end of the bargain.
Barkley passed up the NFL draft as a possible first round selection to return to Southern Cal for what he called “unfinished business.” The Trojans haven’t taken care of business on the field this season and are a 8.5 point underdog to No. 4 Oregon this weekend at home.
The Ducks could put the final nail in the coffin at the Coliseum on Saturday.
Will Wilson is a writer for Rant Sports covering College Football and the Big Ten Conference.
Follow Will on Twitter: @GoPackGo1
