The USC defense is one of the most aggressive in the Big Ten, with a conference-leading 16 sacks in addition to 38 tackles for loss. Recent trends in targeting calls, however, have players walking a tight rope in full pads.

“You still want to play full speed. You want to play full effort,” USC defensive end Braylan Shelby said after Saturday night’s 45-30 win over Michigan State. “Those penalties arise when we play at such a high speed and high level in a game of football. I wouldn’t say it makes this cautious at all. It’s a little iffy speaking on that. It’s just — you try to play as fast as you can in the best way you can.”

The coaching staff is preaching action on defense, and it’s gotten the now-No. 21-ranked Trojans off to a 4-0 start. Penalties aside , players are walking the lin

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