LOS ANGELES — What’s happening with Michigan State’s defense didn’t start with head coach Jonathan Smith or coordinator Joe Rossi. But it’s their problem now. And they haven’t fixed it.

For the best decade of MSU football in the modern era, defense was the Spartans ’ identity. It allowed the program to compete above its pedigree and join the elites of the sport for a while. USC offensively was a force on Saturday night. But you’ll struggle to find an MSU fan who doesn’t think the Spartans’ best defenses would have fared just fine.

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