No. 21 USC has the talent, length and size to compete for a Big Ten championship. I know it’s only two games in, but one thing stood out in the 93–86 win over Wichita State. Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas each played 39 minutes and combined for 62 points, exactly two-thirds of USC’s scoring. The Trojans got 12 points off their bench. Wichita State got 43. USC Athletics box score

Rice and Arenas also made 29 of USC’s 37 free throws. If either guard picks up two quick fouls and has to sit for an extended stretch, USC has to replace some of that pressure on the defense. Somebody off the bench has to get into the paint, draw a foul or create a good look for a teammate. Foul trouble already reached USC’s rotation in this game. Darius Ratliff, Jacob Cofie and KJ Lewis each finished with five fouls. USC Athletics box score

The Big Ten schedule is physical and grueling. There will be nights when one of those guards needs to sit longer than planned, and USC will need somebody who can keep the offense productive for those minutes. That’s where I want to see this team grow before conference play. The talent is there. The bench has to give it enough scoring to hold up over a title race.

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