How much has the USC defense improved?

In this edition of the Peristyle Podcast hosts Ryan Abraham and new USCFootball.com senior staff writer Connor Morrissette are in studio LIVE talking about what USC head coach Lincoln Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch had to say following the Trojans 56-28 victory over the San Jose State Spartans.

Heading into the game all eyes were on the new-look defense with high expectations for significant improvement over last season. The results were a mixed bag, with four three-and-out drives on the good side and defensive breakdowns leading to four touchdowns on the bad side.

We heard from Riley on Trojans Live Monday night and then both Riley and Grinch after practice on Tuesday. The guys talk about what the coaches had to say about the extensive rotation used in the game as well as the good and the bad from the defensive side of the ball.

They also discuss the freshman breakout player for the Trojans (and potentially all of college football), former five-star wide receiver Zachariah Branch who shined as a pass catcher, punt returner and of course kickoff returner with his electric 96-yard touchdown.

USC has Nevada up next so Ryan and Connor give their thoughts on the game and what they would like to see from the Trojan offense, defense and special teams against an overmatched opponent.

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Make sure you check out USCFootball.com for complete coverage of this USC Trojan football team. 

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