Tenth-ranked USC (6-0) might see its success come to a screeching halt in the second half of the season. That’s how Associated Press college football writer Ralph D. Russo sees it.

“Red flags all over … I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish 8-4,” Russo said via ESPN’s Paul Finebaum on Wednesday.

USC narrowly escaped its last 3 Pac-12 opponents alone, and the Trojans gave up a pile of points along the way. The Trojans held off Arizona State 42-28 on September 23, survived Colorado 48-41 on September 30, and squeaked by Arizona 43-41 in 3 overtimes on October 7.

Now, the Trojans face a No. 21 Notre Dame squad (5-2) on Saturday that averages 36.7 points per game behind quarterback Sam Hartman. Despite a recent setback at Louisville, Hartman has 1,712 yards passing for 16 TDs versus 3 interceptions thus far.

Then, USC gets a No. 16 Utah squad (4-1) that doesn’t score big points but shuts down opponents instead. Utah hasn’t allowed more than 21 points in a game this season, and that happened against a high-octane Oregon State squad that averages 38.5 points per game.

California will pose a scoring threat against USC on October 28. The Golden Bears average 32.5 points per contest, and Cal showed it can hang with ranked opponents.

It gets tougher for USC in November in top-10 games against Washington and Oregon, both teams loaded with offensive talent. USC then concludes with a Chip Kelly-led UCLA squad that posts 30.6 points per game.

If USC can’t right the ship on defense, Russo’s projection could come true.