The problem with USC’s defense, which failed to keep the Trojans in last week’s game at Texas, was pretty simple for the coaching staff to diagnose.
Time and time again, USC had the Longhorns exactly where it wanted them after two downs. But on four of Texas’ six scoring drives, it converted at least one third and long. On another drive, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger turned third and 10 into fourth and one with a scramble, and the Longhorns converted the fourth-down play.
The biggest breakdown came on the first drive of the second half, with Texas leading 16-14.