Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on Fox Sports 1
Wildcat to Watch: Junior RB Ka'Deem Carey
Carey led the nation in rushing last season en route to All-American honors. Despite missing the 2013 opener, he has continued his torrid pace averaging 144 rush yards per game. He has topped the 100-yard mark in seven consecutive outings dating back to his Pac-12 single-game record 366 rush yards versus Colorado in 2012. He is powerful, yet explosive, and the Wildcats will ride him for 25+ carries in the Coliseum.Click the link for more on the Wildcats: Game 5 Arizona at USC.pdf
3 Keys
Feed Off the Energy
The Coliseum has been anything but a fortress this season, but the home fans get a clean slate just like the players do with eight games to go and the Trojan Family is ready to rock. The players have been all smiles the last week getting some much needed rest, enjoying the Trojan Bowl, and the master motivator Coach O pressing all the right buttons. While a team never wants to be too hyped, in this case, enjoy the night and have fun.
An Aberration?
The defensive leaders swear that the Arizona State performance was nothing but a bad night at the office. The Trojans came into the game as one of the nation's best defenses, but gave up 62 points on a night when the offense delivered 41. The Wildcats carved up the Trojans for 39 in Tucson last year, and Rich Rodriguez's teams are always capable of racking up yards and points. Even without Morgan Breslin, the front five must get back to penetrating the line of scrimmage, stuffing the run in the backfield and pressuring the passer.
No Excuses
Ed Orgeron set the tone with his opening practice statement (below). Breslin is likely out. Marqise Lee is not expected to play. The Trojans might have to rely on walk-on wide receivers. So what? USC has enough talent to win this game even without two of the nation's best players taken off an already diminished roster. Orgeron explained that this team needs consistency and belief. The scores of the losses (10-7 and 62-41) document the inconsistency, but the belief is a new concept. When the momentum is against this team, can the Trojans find the fortitude to fight back? Orgeron will make sure of it.
