University Southern California Trojans
2017 Game 9: USC vs. ASU
October 27, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
USC is 9-1 in Pac-12 South games under head coach Clay Helton.
No. 21 USC Trojans (6-2, 4-1) at Arizona State Sun Devils (4-3, 3-1)
Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe at 7:45 p.m. PT on ESPN
Sun Devil to Watch: Junior DL JoJo Wicker
Wicker is a Long Beach product, and local guys love to haunt the teams that let them get away. He has grown into a solid player in Tempe, leading the Sun Devils in tackles for loss (9.0) and sacks (4.5). Both numbers place him in the top 10 in the Pac-12. The USC offensive line was beaten up physically against Notre Dame, so Wicker will be like a shark smelling blood after watching that tape. Like the rest of the ASU D, he comes in hot, posting 1.5 sacks over the last two games.
Click here for more on the Sun Devils.
3 Keys
Get a Grip
The Trojans have given away multiple turnovers in every single game this season. While they have done well to survive their mistakes in six of the eight games, the margin for error in a tough road game is too small to afford interceptions and fumbles. Arizona State is not particularly opportunistic on defense (11th in the Pac-12 in most turnovers gained), but the Sun Devils are stingy on offense (1st in the Pac-12 in fewest turnovers lost). Last time in Tempe, USC forced four turnovers to build a 35-0 lead at halftime. That formula would work just fine again on Saturday.
Bend But Don't Break
In a matchup of strength against strength, ASU has the most efficient red zone offense in the conference, while USC counters with the toughest red zone defense. The Sun Devils have 23 scores (18 TD and 5 FG) in 24 trips inside their opponent's 20, and the only missed opportunity came because the offense took a knee to end the game. Meanwhile, the Trojans have allowed 33 trips inside their 20, but only 23 scores (16 TD and 7 FG). The undermanned USC defense may not be able to dominate a balanced ASU attack, but if the Trojans can minimize the damage, they will be in a dogfight to the end.
Gut Check Game
The Trojans have been decimated by injuries, but the Sun Devils don't care. Pac-12 sack leader Christian Rector (broken hand) is the latest casualty. USC has also been buried by fans and media alike after a dispiriting performance in South Bend. In recent years, the Trojans have been great in these scenarios, rising from the ashes when everyone on the outside is trying to burn the house down. They will need some unsung heroes to step up. They will need their best players to play their best. But more than anything, they will need to come together as one and fight out of this hole as a team.
Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe at 7:45 p.m. PT on ESPN
Sun Devil to Watch: Junior DL JoJo WickerWicker is a Long Beach product, and local guys love to haunt the teams that let them get away. He has grown into a solid player in Tempe, leading the Sun Devils in tackles for loss (9.0) and sacks (4.5). Both numbers place him in the top 10 in the Pac-12. The USC offensive line was beaten up physically against Notre Dame, so Wicker will be like a shark smelling blood after watching that tape. Like the rest of the ASU D, he comes in hot, posting 1.5 sacks over the last two games.
Click here for more on the Sun Devils.
3 Keys
Get a Grip
The Trojans have given away multiple turnovers in every single game this season. While they have done well to survive their mistakes in six of the eight games, the margin for error in a tough road game is too small to afford interceptions and fumbles. Arizona State is not particularly opportunistic on defense (11th in the Pac-12 in most turnovers gained), but the Sun Devils are stingy on offense (1st in the Pac-12 in fewest turnovers lost). Last time in Tempe, USC forced four turnovers to build a 35-0 lead at halftime. That formula would work just fine again on Saturday.
Bend But Don't Break
In a matchup of strength against strength, ASU has the most efficient red zone offense in the conference, while USC counters with the toughest red zone defense. The Sun Devils have 23 scores (18 TD and 5 FG) in 24 trips inside their opponent's 20, and the only missed opportunity came because the offense took a knee to end the game. Meanwhile, the Trojans have allowed 33 trips inside their 20, but only 23 scores (16 TD and 7 FG). The undermanned USC defense may not be able to dominate a balanced ASU attack, but if the Trojans can minimize the damage, they will be in a dogfight to the end.
Gut Check Game
The Trojans have been decimated by injuries, but the Sun Devils don't care. Pac-12 sack leader Christian Rector (broken hand) is the latest casualty. USC has also been buried by fans and media alike after a dispiriting performance in South Bend. In recent years, the Trojans have been great in these scenarios, rising from the ashes when everyone on the outside is trying to burn the house down. They will need some unsung heroes to step up. They will need their best players to play their best. But more than anything, they will need to come together as one and fight out of this hole as a team.
Players Mentioned
DL
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