USC’s defense became tougher on goal-line stand vs Fresno State

The USC Trojans did something special on defense against Oregon State — not so much because Oregon State has a tremendous, unbelievably great offense (it doesn’t, and OSU was missing a few very important pieces to boot), but because the Trojans’ offense played poorly. The defense had to bail it out.

It’s not the scenario anyone expected, but it’s the scenario which unfolded in Corvallis.

Just how did this amazing performance come together? Lots of USC fans and analysts noticed when the moment of transformation occurred.

That said, what happens one week often fails to carry into the next. USC actually needed to take its epiphany and bring it all the way to Corvallis.

The Trojans did so.

Let’s take you inside this turning-point moment for the 2022 USC defense:

SETTING THE SCENE

USC 45, Fresno State 17, two minutes left.

The game was over. The Trojans had won. The only people who really care about garbage-time touchdowns are bettors with an over-under or point-spread ticket.

Or so one might think.

Actually, USC’s players cared a lot.

DOING THE JOB

USC carried out a successful goal-line stand in those final minutes against Fresno State, stuffing a series of runs up the gut. Fresno State did not try to get cute or fancy. No play-action pass, no wide-receiver handoff or misdirection. Fresno State wanted to demonstrate its toughness. USC wouldn’t budge or relent. Stoned. The Trojans made the stop. It was a galvanizing moment. Lots of people noticed:

SETTING A TONE

NUMBERS

LBC TROJAN WEIGHS IN

THE SIGN OF SOMETHING BIG

THE BETTING ANGLE

BLOGGERS NOTICED

LINCOLN LOVED IT

WORD GOT…