USC defensive notebook: Chris Thompson's emergence could impact Drake Jackson's production

ErikTMcKinney

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 23: C'Bo Flemister #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball as Chris Thompson Jr. #30 of the USC Trojans reaches for the tackle at Notre Dame Stadium on October 23, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The USC defense ranks in the bottom half of the Pac-12 in all four major categories this season: scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and passing defense. The Trojans will get Arizona State's No. 4 Pac-12 offense on Saturday and USC will need to find some answers on that side of the ball.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.