Reign of Troy
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USC vs Utah State Report Card: Grading the Trojan Defense

By Alicia de Artola

Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Kent Myers (2) is sacked by USC Trojans defensive end Porter Gustin (45) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Utah State 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Kent Myers (2) is sacked by USC Trojans defensive end Porter Gustin (45) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Utah State 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Trojans didn’t quite manage a shut out, but USC vs Utah State was a showcase day for the defense in the 45-7 victory.

Facing the nation’s top rushing offense after Week 1, the USC defense ground the Utah State attack to a halt.

The Aggies were able to get on the board with seven points just as the third quarter ended, but the Trojans held when it mattered.

SEE ALSO: Grading the Trojan Offense vs Utah State

Here’s how each defensive unit graded out against the Aggies:

A.

You know it is a good day on the defensive line when nearly every member of the rotation could garner a standout mention.

It starts with Rasheem Green who batted down two passes at the line of scrimmage, both on third down attempts by the Aggies.

Once again, Stevie Tu’ikolovatu was a key figure towards keeping the Utah State rushing attack quiet — they averaged just 1.9 yards per carry.

Junior college transfer Josh Fatu also made himself a nuisance with four tackles and a sack.

. Standout. Rasheem Green. DEFENSIVE LINE

A.

What more can be said about Cameron Smith, whose instinctive play at middle linebacker continually places him around the ball? He displayed that quality against Utah State, logging 13 tackles to lead all Trojans. He also added a tackle for loss.

Closer to the line of scrimmage, Porter Gustin was a disruptive force, sealing the edge and wrecking havoc in the Aggie backfield with two tackles for loss, including a sack.

Michael Hutchings and Uchenna Nwosu had solidly productive outings as well, combining for three pass break ups between them

The only knock against the linebackers at the Coliseum was the ease with which Aggie quarterback Keny Myers found receivers in the middle of the field.

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A

What more can be said about Cameron Smith, whose instinctive play at middle linebacker continually places him around the ball? He displayed that quality against Utah State, logging 13 tackles to lead all Trojans. He also added a tackle for loss.

Closer to the line of scrimmage, Porter Gustin was a disruptive force, sealing the edge and wrecking havoc in the Aggie backfield with two tackles for loss, including a sack.

Michael Hutchings and Uchenna Nwosu had solidly productive outings as well, combining for three pass break ups between them

The only knock against the linebackers at the Coliseum was the ease with which Aggie quarterback Keny Myers found receivers in the middle of the field.

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