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Trojans in the NFL: Clay Matthews sets the pace for the Packers

Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) is congratulated by teammate Julius Peppers after a sack against Tampa Bay on Dec. 21.
(Jeff Haynes / Associated Press)
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Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews set the tone early when he sacked quarterback Matt Stafford in the first series of a 30-20 victory over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.

The former USC standout made two tackles for losses and deflected a pass as the Packers clinched the NFC North title.

Reggie Bush rushed for 19 yards in five carries and caught three passes for 22 yards for the Lions.

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Woods grows in Season Two

Buffalo Bills receiver Robert Woods finished his second NFL season strong in a 17-9 victory over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

In the first quarter, quarterback Kyle Orton connected with Woods on a six-yard touchdown pass play.

Woods caught four passes for 39 yards.

Woods had 65 receptions for 699 yards and five touchdowns as the Bills finished 9-7, their first winning season in 10 years.

Eagles struggle under Sanchez

Quarterback Mark Sanchez led the Philadelphia Eagles into playoff contention when he took over for an injured Nick Foles and won three of his first four starts.

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But the Eagles will miss the playoffs after losing three of their last four, including a 34-26 defeat by the New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Sanchez completed 23 of 36 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception.

Sanchez passed for 2,418 yards and 14 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions, in nine games.

Horton delivers

Carolina Panthers defensive end Wes Horton sacked quarterback Matt Ryan in a 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons that clinched the NFC South title.

The former USC defensive lineman has three sacks, a forced fumble and a pass deflection in his second season.

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.

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