University Southern California Trojans
USC-Arizona State
June 21, 1999 | Football
October 4, 1998
USC Head Coach Paul Hackett-
"That qualifies as a big win in my book. At halftime I said it's time to step up and play our best football. Offense, defense, special teams -- that's the way we have to play USC Trojan football. So many people contributed. I feel good about where we are right now. We're getting better. In the fourth quarter, something takes over for us. The crowd got into it. We've got to continue making progress...take it one step at a time. We've got Cal next. We know this is a long season, but the goal is crystal clear - to make it to Pasadena.
On Palmer-
"The young QB made a brilliant audible on the touchdown pass to R. Jay. He's getting better with every snap. The guy's going to play more and more. "
USC QB Carson Palmer-On his touchdown pass to Soward
"We decided to run the fade. R. Jay ran right by him and got open. It's hard to guage his speed because he's so fast. He's just an exciting player. He can do anything at any time. Each conference game is a step to the Rose Bowl."
USC Receiver R. Jay Soward-
"This really meant something. It feels so good to beat Arizona State. I knew he (Palmer) was going to call the audible (on the touchdown) beause I told him to in the huddle (laughs). You guys could hear the crowd. He makes something happen. He's just Carson."
USC linebacker David Gibson-
"Games like this are character builders. We're on the way to the Rose Bowl."
Arizona State QB Ryan Kealy, who suffered a concussion from a hit by SC's Chris Claiborne-
"I blacked out initially but I don't think I was out. I was coming in and out with a little blurry vision. It was a good solid hit and it loosened my head."
