The last time Clancy Pendergast coached USC’s defense, the Trojans had only 70 players on scholarship, 15 fewer than is usually allowed. NCAA sanctions had wiped out the team’s depth, which tightened rotations on both sides of the ball and made for heavy legs late in games.
After that season, Pendergast went elsewhere before returning to USC this season. Have things changed?
Not really, Pendergast said this week.
"I don't see where the depth is any different defensively than when I was here last time,” Pendergast said.
USC’s defense has sunk to 71st in the nation in yards allowed per game, at 395.