USC Football Mailbag: Misusing the Nickel Defense?

Why did USC persist with the nickel defense against Utah? What are the odds the Trojans are bowl eligible?…Our weekly USC football mailbag seeks the answers.

Welcome to the Reign of Troy mailbag, a weekly feature, where we will answer all questions related to USC football.

If you have a question for the mailbag, send it in to @ReignOfTroy on Twitter or via email to reignoftroy@fansided.com.

Let’s get started:

I get Clancy likes to use nickel D , but how the heck can u stop multiple 4th and 1’s using 2 DL and ur LBs 5 yrds off ball?

— LA Fred @USCfred

Good question. The short answer is that you can’t, as USC learned the hard way (at least we hope) against Utah.

It should be pointed out that Clancy…