2. Sort out the defensive rotation
Awarding snaps in the Transfer Portal era is fraught with all sorts of ramifications, especially when you have talent with eligibility left who are eyeing the NFL draft. But now is the time for Sherrone to tighten that up. Senior Derrick Moore (320 snaps) should be on the field way more than junior Cam Brandt (284). The snap count difference should be greater given the differences in production.
Similarly, younger, less experienced defensive backs have been on the field during important situations. Against Purdue in the second half, junior Jyaire Hill saw time at nickel, although junior TJ Metcalf has been performing very well. But Hill for Metcalf the Elder, means that freshman Jayden Sanders was at corner. It’s time for Sanders and other talented youngsters, like Jaden Mangham, Jacob Oden, Jo'Ziah Edmond, and Shamari Earls, to learn from the sidelines.
The DBs have had problems communicating assignments and misaligning themselves at pre-snap, resulting in bad tackling and busts, particularly against the high-powered offenses of USC and Oklahoma. The solution is to keep the starters on the field for as much time as they can handle. Most importantly, corners Hill and senior Zeke Berry, nickel Metcalf, and safeties junior Brandyn Hillman and sophomore Mason Curtis, should be on the field during high leverage plays.