LAS VEGAS —
Who were these players, and what did they do with USC’s defense?
They were physical.
They made open-field tackles.
They kept their team in the game when the offense was stalled.
Finally, in Lincoln Riley’s third year as coach, the Trojans have a defense. Finally, under first-year defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, they have a defense that can strike fear into their opponents.
New starting quarterback Miller Moss passed for 378 yards and transfer running back Woody Marks scored a pair of touchdowns, but the most important revelations in the Trojans’ season-opening 27-20 victory over No. 13 Louisiana State were on the other side of the football.
This defense lets the Trojans dream again. This defense could make them relevant on the national stage in ways their recent defenses couldn’t. This defense is why USC could be one of the 12 teams that reaches the College Football Playoff this season.
“This …