USC has played well defensively to start the season, holding opponents to a shooting percentage of 31.3%.

Kevin O'Neill has labeled the defense as "excellent" and "some of the best in the country," and "satisfying" and "about as good as it can be," still have lost three of four games.

"Looking at our defensive numbers, I'd say we should be 3-1 and not 1-3," O'Neill said. "But I always thought the offense would come along more slowly this year."