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USC's defensive line recruiting explains shortcomings

USC defensive end Malik Dorton was a top-25 defensive end in the Class of 2014. John Cordes/Icon Sportswire

After a 1-2 start, including noncompetitive finishes against Alabama and Stanford, it would be tough to point to just one issue facing USC, let alone the biggest. The Trojans will move quarterback Sam Darnold into the starting role against Utah on Friday, but that might not be the position that decides this game.