Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
In an afternoon highlighted by the explosive Trojan offense and a breakout performance from the young defensive line, the USC secondary was equally impressive in the 49-10 victory over Hawaii in the 2012 season opener.
Though it was just the first game of the season, the physicality of USC was evident as the Trojans defense forced four fumbles and two interceptions. "We came out today playing very aggressive," said sophomore cornerback Anthony Brown. "The coaches put the perfect schemes together so we were able to go out there and play fast."
(Photo of Josh Shaw by Danny Moloshok/Reuters)
Brown feels comfortable with his starting role even though it was his first game back since his season-ending injury at California in 2011. "I feel I played great," Brown said. "There are some little things that I need to work on by watching film. Other than that, I was out there at full speed and doing my assignments."
Despite the Trojans holding the Warriors to just 10 points, both Nickell Robey and Brown believe that the defense needs to keep improving. "If it was a grading scale, I would give us a B- or a C+," Robey said. "We played great tonight but there were a couple plays that we could have got. Overall, the secondary was great but we need to get better."
With leaders like Robey and fellow defensive captain T.J. McDonald who were part of a defensive back unit that really struggled in 2010, the secondary has grown into a dominant unit, but the group remains humble. "I look at it just the same as my past two years in what I have done in order to become a captain," Robey said. "I will just keep working hard, encourage my teammates, make sure there are no distractions so I can focus on the preparation."
USC will travel to New Jersey to take on Syracuse in MetLife Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Orange passed for 470 yards in a season opening loss to Northwestern.
Senior QB Ryan Nassib put the ball in the air 65 times, so Robey, Brown and the rest of the secondary can expect another busy Saturday.
In an afternoon highlighted by the explosive Trojan offense and a breakout performance from the young defensive line, the USC secondary was equally impressive in the 49-10 victory over Hawaii in the 2012 season opener.
Though it was just the first game of the season, the physicality of USC was evident as the Trojans defense forced four fumbles and two interceptions. "We came out today playing very aggressive," said sophomore cornerback Anthony Brown. "The coaches put the perfect schemes together so we were able to go out there and play fast."(Photo of Josh Shaw by Danny Moloshok/Reuters)
Brown feels comfortable with his starting role even though it was his first game back since his season-ending injury at California in 2011. "I feel I played great," Brown said. "There are some little things that I need to work on by watching film. Other than that, I was out there at full speed and doing my assignments."
Despite the Trojans holding the Warriors to just 10 points, both Nickell Robey and Brown believe that the defense needs to keep improving. "If it was a grading scale, I would give us a B- or a C+," Robey said. "We played great tonight but there were a couple plays that we could have got. Overall, the secondary was great but we need to get better."
With leaders like Robey and fellow defensive captain T.J. McDonald who were part of a defensive back unit that really struggled in 2010, the secondary has grown into a dominant unit, but the group remains humble. "I look at it just the same as my past two years in what I have done in order to become a captain," Robey said. "I will just keep working hard, encourage my teammates, make sure there are no distractions so I can focus on the preparation."
USC will travel to New Jersey to take on Syracuse in MetLife Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Orange passed for 470 yards in a season opening loss to Northwestern.
Senior QB Ryan Nassib put the ball in the air 65 times, so Robey, Brown and the rest of the secondary can expect another busy Saturday.
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