Shaun Nua met with reporters on Wednesday night for the first time since being named interim co-defensive coordinator at USC.

Nua was elevated alongside Brian Odom after the Trojans parted ways with former DC Alex Grinch on Sunday. Nua spoke about the challenge of galvanizing USC’s defense with just one week to prepare before facing Oregon on the road.

“The challenge is trying to rally these guys, make sure their mindset is right,” Nua said. “And making sure that whatever we try to change, or if we do change anything, that it’s in-sync and [doesn’t] disrupt them and cause them to hesitate. So that’s the challenge. To get them together. Rally them. Both staff and the players.”

USC has not yet been eliminated from Pac-12 title contention, although it must beat the Ducks in Eugene this weekend in order to keep its hopes alive. The Trojans have already suffered two Pac-12 losses this season.

USC’s defense has struggled throughout the year, including in last week’s loss to Washington. The Trojans gave up 52 points to the Huskies at home. They will face another high-octane offense this weekend in Eugene.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday night.