USC's tackling problems against Washington

USC's tackling problems nearly came back to haunt them against Washington. The Trojans entered this Big Ten matchup already under pressure defensively, and Saturday's game showed just how costly missed opportunities can become. Washington repeatedly found ways to extend plays and move the football, with Demond Williams Jr. using his mobility to keep the Huskies alive and make USC's defense work for every stop. Even after USC built momentum in the second half, Washington kept fighting all the way to the final possession.But when the game was on the line, USC finally made the plays it needed. After falling behind 21-10, the Trojans rallied behind a huge defensive touchdown from Jahkeem Stewart, who scooped up a Williams fumble and returned it 48 yards for the go-ahead score. Washington still drove deep into USC territory in the final minute, converting multiple crucial downs, but the Trojans' defense held firm and forced an incomplete pass in the end zone with 39 seconds remaining. USC escaped the Coliseum with a 25-21 victory, improving to 5-1 — but the tackling and discipline issues remain something Lincoln Riley's team will need to clean up.