USC OC: 'Newsflash, we lost a lot of good players to the NFL'

USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin defended himself Tuesday against a growing number of critics pointing to his unit's failure to meet national expectations.

"Newsflash, we lost a lot of good players to the NFL," Martin told Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News.

The Trojans seemed poised to boast a prolific offense this year, led by prized quarterback Sam Darnold, but have instead battled inconsistency. Darnold entered the season as a popular Heisman Trophy pick, but his eight interceptions have taken him out of consideration.

Key departees on offense after 2016 season

After the Trojans suffered their first loss Friday against Washington State, head coach Clay Helton threw his support behind Martin, saying he doesn't have an issue with the 39-year-old's play-calling. Helton added that there's no need to panic after losing one tight game on the road to a formidable Cougars squad.

USC (4-1) will attempt to rebound from the loss Saturday at the expense of the lowly Oregon State.