USC’s defense inspired by turnovers created by previous teams

USC players were slightly perplexed Friday night before they played Arizona State, when Coach Steve Sarkisian started on what he described as a “30-minute barrage on how to create turnovers.”

Sarkisian instructed players on fundamentals and played a highlight reel that featured turnovers created by previous Trojans teams, including the 2008 team that routed Illinois in the Rose Bowl.

Safety John Plattenburg said after the game the highlights made him realize that forcing turnovers was an “intentional” process.

“They really worked on it and it was happening in the games and it was changing games and stuff like that,” Plattenburg said. “We knew if we could do that it would add a great element for us in our games.”

Plattenburg made his first career interception in the 42-14 victory over Arizona State.

USC did not force a turnover against Idaho or Stanford, then forced a season-high four turnovers against the Sun Devils.

“Once we seen that [video], it was time to go,” said safety Chris Hawkins, who recovered a fumble forced by teammate Delvon Simmons and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown. “Seeing those guys play, the way they played with the hustle, the passion they played with, it sparked a match.”

USC has an open date Saturday.

The Trojans play Washington on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Coliseum.

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