Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 4:30 p.m. on FOX
Sun Devil to Watch: Junior RB D.J. Foster
The Pac-12's leading rusher is the most dangerous weapon in Arizona State's potent attack. While Foster is averaging 135 yards per game on the ground, his versatility in the passing game is his greatest strength. He averages four catches for 52 yards per game as a receiver making him the No. 1 all-purpose talent in the conference (187 yards per game).Click here for more on the Sun Devils.
3 Keys
The Stopper
In last year's 62-41 win by Arizona State, the Sun Devils deployed their running backs more effectively as receivers than rushers. Marion Grice and Foster accounted for 116 receiving yards and 103 rushing yards plus 5 touchdowns. To counteract Foster, Justin Wilcox has a versatile weapon of his own in Su'a Cravens. Now as an outside linebacker, Cravens can be an extra man in the box to stop the run game, but also use his superior cover skills to keep Foster out of the passing game.
Be Strong
Jaelen Strong presents another match-up nightmare for the Trojans. At 6-foot-3, he is a big, physical target who used his size on back shoulder fade routes to reel in 7 catches for 103 yards last year against USC. Without Josh Shaw, the Trojans are not very big at corner, so Kevon Seymour, Chris Hawkins and Adoree' Jackson will have to rely on their technique and leaping ability to deter Strong. Of course, if the Trojans' pass rush can get to Mike Bercovici, who is less mobile than Taylor Kelly, they can cut off the supply line to Strong.
Scorch the Devils
It's going to be a hot one! With 95-degree temperatures expected and two uptempo offenses, this Pac-12 South showdown could devolve into a fitness competition. ASU QB Mike Bercovici chided his friend Antwaun Woods and the USC defense saying, "They're not going to be saying anything about anything because they're going to be sucking wind." To beat the heat, Steve Sarkisian plans on digging deep into his roster to rotate players, but the best scenario would be to grab an early lead. The team playing uphill will feel the sun burn even deeper.
