Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 5:30 p.m. PT on FOX
Sun Devil to Watch: Junior RB Kalen BallageFor 40 years, USC RB Anthony Davis held a share of the Pac-12 record for touchdowns in a single game thanks to his legendary six-TD performance against Notre Dame in 1974. AD and the rest are all looking up at Kalen Ballage now after the junior scored eight times in a 68-55 victory over Texas Tech earlier this season. Ballage tied the FBS single-game record with his eight touchdowns, scoring seven on the ground and one as a receiver. He has not come near that production in ASU's other three wins, but he is a threat to watch in the Sun Devils' "Sparky" package, which most people call the "Wildcat", but they understandably do not.
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3 Keys
Get Up to Speed Quickly
Arizona State plays at a completely different tempo than USC's first four opponents. The Trojans have been faced with power run, huddle offenses, aiming to grind defenses down physically over four quarters. The Sun Devils want to spread opponents out, speed them up and then turn the fourth quarter into a fitness test. USC's next month of opponents all fit this same mold, so the Trojans must adjust quickly by rotating more players defensively, tackling well in space and using their offense to protect their defense. Third down efficiency is key on both sides of the ball to get the defense off the field or keep the offense on it.
In a Rush
USC has not generated a sack in back-to-back games for the first time in a long time, so defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast must manufacture a pass rush if the Trojans are unable to get home with their front four. However, the pass rushers cannot lose their gap discipline against another mobile quarterback. ASU QB Manny Wilkins is second on the team with 56 rush attempts, so he is happy to escape the pocket and make overaggressive defenses pay with his feet. The Trojans must contain and then collapse the pocket on the first-year starter.
Start the Finish Early
USC had not played a competitive fourth quarter until last week when Utah came back from a two-touchdown deficit to gut the Trojans in the final seconds. In ASU's last trip to the Coliseum, the Sun Devils pulled off a great escape, stealing victory from the Trojans with "The Jael Mary." Through four games, Arizona State is averaging more fourth-quarter points versus FBS competition (21.7) than any other FBS team. The Trojans would be wise not to leave it to a late defensive stop. USC would prefer its 2015 blueprint when the Trojans entered halftime in Tempe with a 35-0 lead. Take the drama out of it and get back in the win column in front of the home fans.
