Arash Markazi
SI.com
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Thomas Williams were gathered around the post-game stat book like a group of teenagers around a Playboy.
"Let me see that," said Cushing as Rivers held the stapled stack of papers with both hands.
"Hold on," Rivers said. "I'm not done."
The quartet of USC linebackers was gazing over the final defensive statistics following USC's 20-3 win over Arizona, comparing each other's numbers and complaining that they should have gotten more. More tackles, more sacks, more recognition.
"That's it?" said Rivers after discovering he had only three tackles. "I know I had more than that. Who's keeping our stats? That's why we're not getting the credit we deserve."
While they may be feeling a bit short-changed, if the USC defenders continue to play like they did against the Wildcats, it's just a matter of time before they're stealing headlines from their once star-studded offense. Against Arizona, the Trojans' defense allowed only 154 total yards and shut out the Wildcats through three quarters before allowing a late field goal. It was the best defensive performance the team has had since 2004, when the Trojans prided themselves on a suffocating defense en route to winning the national championship.
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