‘Downhill’ play from linebackers lifted USC’s defense to one of its best performances

LOS ANGELES — The USC linebacking corps was playing fast in the 21-17 win at Nebraska, and it resulted in one of the group’s best performances of the season.
Pro Football Focus gave No. 20 USC its best overall defensive grade – a 72.2 – since the Trojans’ Week 3 win at Purdue. Linebackers Eric Gentry and Desman Stephens were two of USC’s highest-graded defensive players against the Huskers at 78.4 and 69.7, respectively.
“They’re playing less indec