DALLAS -- USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast doesn't want to coach it any other way. He wants his defenders to have fun.
Aggression is fun. Sacks are fun.
The big plays Ohio State could pop against the Trojans in the Cotton Bowl on Friday could also be fun.
USC is tied for second in the nation with 43 sacks, and Rasheem Green, Christian Rector, Uchenna Nwosu and Josh Fatu all have at least six sacks this season. Only two Buckeyes - Nick Bosa and Tyquan Lewis - have at least six sacks.
If the Trojans are going to be coming after J.T. Barrett, that will provide some other opportunities for the Ohio State offense.
Bill Landis and I broke down this matchup in the rain in Dallas after talking to Ohio State and USC players and coaches on Tuesday.