USC football: Defensive ends focus on Terrelle Pryor

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Much of the responsibility for neutralizing Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor on Saturday falls squarely on the shoulders of USC’s defensive ends.

“When the D-line comes to play, the whole defense plays better,” junior end Everson Griffen said. “If the ends are getting up-field and we get a good pass rush, I think it will be hard to beat us.”

Redshirt freshman Wes Horton could start opposite Griffen for the second consecutive game. Containing Pryor is the priority.

“Terrelle Pryor is elusive, so you can’t just wrap him up and expect to bring him down,” Horton said. “You’ve got to wrap him up and drive him into the ground because he can get out of anything.”

Devon Kennard, a true freshman who played well in the opener against San Jose State, also will be part of the defensive end rotation against the Buckeyes.

“With Pryor, we have to swarm -- you can’t just leave it for one guy,” Kennard said.

-- Gary Klein