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This chart shows the development and explosion of the run game during the first 18 years of the century in the Pac-10/12. Here is the three-year running averages of Yards per Rush and Rushing Yards per Game for Pac-10/12 teams (excl. USC). pic.twitter.com/KoCwBWBSoq
— USCHoops (@USCHoopsdotcom) January 19, 2024
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If you wondering why I think this data is important... I think it helps to explain the fall from grace USC saw following the departure of Pete Carroll.
— USCHoops (@USCHoopsdotcom) January 19, 2024
The fall happened on both offense and defense, but on defense it was more acute and the USC defense has certainly never…
During the latter years of the Carroll era, more and more teams were departing from the so-called West Coast Offense, which had dominated that era for more than a decade. Almost all teams began transitioning to a spread type offense. Some emphasized a passing game (Air Raid);…
— USCHoops (@USCHoopsdotcom) January 19, 2024
USC was a very late adopter of the spread offense (coming in with Sarkisian in 2014) and Pete Carroll never really adjusted his defense to stop the spread running attack.
— USCHoops (@USCHoopsdotcom) January 19, 2024
Pete was succeeded by Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator, who was even less prepared to defend the spread.
— USCHoops (@USCHoopsdotcom) January 19, 2024
By the time USC really got its ducks in a row to address the spread, it had lost the culture and lost the personnel dominance on defense.
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