USC’s offense will see something a little unusual when it steps on the field at Virginia: a 3-4 defense.

The 3-4 is less popular than the 4-3, and USC won’t face another one until the Cal game Nov. 8.

The biggest difference is the way the defensive linemen attack: They go head-up on the offensive linemen, trying to clear space for the linebackers to make tackles.

“They teach it really well,” USC offensive line coach Pat Ruel said of the Cavaliers. “It presents problems because not many teams run a 3-4.”

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