USC’s defense ran off the field, toward defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who clapped and patted boisterous players on the helmet.
The Trojans had forced another punt late in the first half against Arizona State. It had done so by applying pressure.
Entering Saturday’s game, USC ranked 99th in the nation in sacks, with just five in four games. USC knew its lack of a pass rush was an issue. Was there anything it could do to reverse the trend?
“Yeah,” linebacker Cameron Smith said after practice this week. “Blitz more. That’s in the game plan.