Alex Grinch talks about recovery process of Shane Lee

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch on what he saw from the USC defense in Game 1

In their home season opener, USC took down San Jose State, picking up their first victory on the year. The Trojans defeated the Spartans 56-28, doubling them up in the Colosseum. But there was a noticeable absence on the field for USC’s defense as star linebacker Shane Lee did not play in the win.

As USC prepares for their Week 1 matchup, a home contest against Nevada, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch provided an update on Lee and gave a brief explanation on his absence on Saturday.

“Yeah, that was just health, and he’ll continue to progress,” said Grinch. “(He’s) a guy that will keep pushing the envelope to get him to go and a guy that we think that will certainly have an impact. Gotta be healthy to rep type of deal. We’ll get him going. (I’m) still excited about Shae.”

Lee’s presence in the Trojans’ front seven could have been big for USC against San Jose State. Despite getting the win, USC gave up nearly 200 yards on the ground and allowed the Spartans an average of 7.3 yards per rushing attempt. If Lee is able to go in Week 1 against Nevada, his presence could be huge for USC’s defense as they try to shut down the Wolf Packs offense.

On3’s Andy Staples ponders what happens if USC’s struggles defensively against Nevada

USC got the win, but the defense looked concerning as they gave up 28 points to San Jose State. This week, the Trojans’ defense can’t allow a similar result to happen. On3’s Andy Staples gave his thoughts on what if, defensively, USC has multiple lapses for the second week in a row against a lesser opponent.

“If Nevada gashes USC’s defense a few times, and look, USC probably wins the game 47-21,” said Staples. “But if you get a few more chunk plays, coverage busts, missed assignment-type things like you saw in that first game against San Jose State, some of the USC fan base was obviously a little concerned during the game. After the game, they had some time to think about it, and they go, you know what, they were trying a bunch of freshmen in a bunch of different places. Understandable that you might have a coverage busted every once in a while.

“But if it happens again against an overmatched opponent, then they start going, ‘Oh God, what happens when its Notre Dame, what happens when it’s Utah, what happens when it’s Oregon?’ It will be just the sky is falling.’”