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Texas Football: Defense steals the show vs. USC and Sam Darnold

By James Caldwell

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Ronald Jones II #25 of the USC Trojans carries the ball as he is hit by Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Ronald Jones II #25 of the USC Trojans carries the ball as he is hit by Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Playing in prime time in the bright lights of Los Angeles, the Texas Longhorns defense decided to steal the show against USC on Saturday night.

While the Texas offense struggled to figure out an identity for the majority of the game, the Longhorns defense was absolutely spectacular.

There was obviously the one major gaffe at the end of the first half when USC scored a 56-yard TD. And, the Longhorns allowed a TD on the first play of overtime.

But, if you set aside those two plays, this was a defensive performance for the ages considering the stage, opponent, and recent history of bad defense.

The result was still 27-24 in favor of USC in double overtime. That part is a backbreaker for a defense that played more than good enough to win over a Top 5 team in their building.

The defense played so well that USC was shut out in the entire second half until the last play of regulation when USC kicker Chase McGrath sent the game to overtime.

Longhorns fans aren’t interested in moral victories, though. This was a loss — another painful loss in a series of losses that have come in every shape and size over the past seven years.

However, Texas Football finally have something going on defense.

Texas Longhorns Earned Respect Against USC

The Texas defense was the star of the show, earning respect from USC and QB Sam Darnold. Here’s what the Longhorns did on Saturday:

  • Stopped USC three times on fourth downs
  • Prevented a TD at the goalline
  • Grabbed a Pick 6 off USC QB Sam Darnold
  • DeShon Elliott had two INTs and nearly had three in the game
  • Had 9 tackles for loss and 3 sacks
  • Held USC to 71 yards on 37 carries in the running game
  • Made great tackles and took good angles

After USC won the game on a game-winning kick in OT, Sam Darnold did not immediately go celebrate with his teammates. Instead, he found the Longhorns defensive leader Malik Jefferson and showed him respect.

It’s something that has been missing for so long: respect for the Longhorns defense.

Will This be Turning Point for Texas Football?

The Texas defense has been chewed up and spit out in recent years, setting program records for yardage and points allowed.

But, that was supposed to change in 2017 under new head coach Tom Herman and new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando.

Then, Texas gave up 51 points to Maryland in the opening game of this season. At home.

So, the combination of USC’s prolific offense, Sam Darnold, and Texas’ recent history of bad defense made the Longhorns a huge underdog. Surely, USC would just blow out Texas.

But, the defense finally asserted itself like a classic Longhorns team. And, while the offense struggled mightily throughout the game, the defense seemed to relish the opportunity to erase the recent past and start writing a new story about Texas Football.

The Longhorns nearly pulled off the upset thanks to a terrific performance and gameplan from DC Todd Orlando. Now, can they build on this in Big 12 play?

Next: Texas Football Q&A with Peter Gardere

One epic defensive game in a loss won’t mean much if the Longhorns revert to their old ways in the conference. Texas needs this to become the norm as they prepare to face teams at the level of USC the rest of this season.

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