USC football: J.R. Tavai steps up for Trojans defense

USC was without injured linebacker Morgan Breslin against Arizona, but J.R. Tavai made up the difference.

Tavai, a junior, made 10 tackles, including 3 1/2 for losses, in USC’s 38-31 victory on Thursday night at the Coliseum.

“It was fun,” he said. “I just took the most out of it.”

Tavai has struggled with injuries and was playing behind ends Leonard Williams and George Uko. He had only two tackles in three games going into the Arizona game.

But Tavai and Williams, who had a team-best 12 tackles, kept the pressure on Arizona quarterback B.J. Denker.

Tavai’s play energized the crowd.

“It was fun to hear the fans louder than ever,” Tavai said. “I’m just loving the game.”

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