University Southern California Trojans
2017 Game 10: USC vs. Arizona
November 03, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans are 62-26-4 all-time on Homecoming.
No. 17 USC Trojans (7-2, 5-1) vs. No. 22 Arizona Wildcats (6-2, 4-1)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:45 p.m. PT on ESPN
Wildcat to Watch: Sophomore QB Khalil Tate
By now, you've probably heard the name, but many have still not seen his game. Tate has absolutely torched Arizona's last four opponents, averaging 210 rushing yards per game over that span on a ridiculous 14.2 yards per carry. While he struggled throwing the ball last season, he has been frighteningly accurate in 2017, completing 68.7% of his passes. The Tate show has existed exclusively on the Pac-12 Network during his record-setting span, which includes four consecutive Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week awards, but now he gets an ESPN stage in his home city (prepped at Serra HS in Gardena) against the illustrious Trojans.
Click here for more on the Wildcats.
3 Keys
Remember Notre Dame
While most USC fans would like to forget the Trojans blowout loss in South Bend, the lessons from that game could prove useful on Saturday. Like the Irish, Arizona has a run-first quarterback who can spin the deep ball but struggles making intermediate throws. The Wildcats do not have Josh Adams, but they have a nice stable of runners led by freshman J.J. Taylor. Arizona's offensive line is experienced but not as talented as the Fighting Irish. It will undoubtedly be a challenge handling an offense that leads the Pac-12 at 522.9 yards per game, but the Trojans' front was impressive last week with Josh Fatu back at the nose. USC needs Fatu and Rasheem Green to be disruptive on the interior, so the edge defenders can track down Tate running sideways before he gets a full head of steam.
Tate Doesn't Play D
Arizona has put up an impressive 48.8 points per game since Tate took over as the starter, but the Wildcats have given up 38.3 points per contest in that same span. They eked out a 1-point win over Cal and a 3-point victory against Colorado, so the Trojans offense has an opportunity to put up a number. USC found its mojo in Tempe, racking up a season-high 341 rushing yards. If the Trojans can be ruthless offensively, they will force Tate to keep up with them and not the other way around.
Make or Break
If the Trojans win the game, they will have one foot in the Pac-12 Championship Game with a chance to claim their first conference title since 2008 and an opportunity to make back-to-back New Year's Six bowls. If they lose, Arizona is the odds-on favorite in the South and USC is destined for a mid-level bowl game. Saturday is a fork in the road this season and one path is a whole lot more glorious than the other.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:45 p.m. PT on ESPN
Wildcat to Watch: Sophomore QB Khalil TateBy now, you've probably heard the name, but many have still not seen his game. Tate has absolutely torched Arizona's last four opponents, averaging 210 rushing yards per game over that span on a ridiculous 14.2 yards per carry. While he struggled throwing the ball last season, he has been frighteningly accurate in 2017, completing 68.7% of his passes. The Tate show has existed exclusively on the Pac-12 Network during his record-setting span, which includes four consecutive Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week awards, but now he gets an ESPN stage in his home city (prepped at Serra HS in Gardena) against the illustrious Trojans.
Click here for more on the Wildcats.
3 Keys
Remember Notre Dame
While most USC fans would like to forget the Trojans blowout loss in South Bend, the lessons from that game could prove useful on Saturday. Like the Irish, Arizona has a run-first quarterback who can spin the deep ball but struggles making intermediate throws. The Wildcats do not have Josh Adams, but they have a nice stable of runners led by freshman J.J. Taylor. Arizona's offensive line is experienced but not as talented as the Fighting Irish. It will undoubtedly be a challenge handling an offense that leads the Pac-12 at 522.9 yards per game, but the Trojans' front was impressive last week with Josh Fatu back at the nose. USC needs Fatu and Rasheem Green to be disruptive on the interior, so the edge defenders can track down Tate running sideways before he gets a full head of steam.
Tate Doesn't Play D
Arizona has put up an impressive 48.8 points per game since Tate took over as the starter, but the Wildcats have given up 38.3 points per contest in that same span. They eked out a 1-point win over Cal and a 3-point victory against Colorado, so the Trojans offense has an opportunity to put up a number. USC found its mojo in Tempe, racking up a season-high 341 rushing yards. If the Trojans can be ruthless offensively, they will force Tate to keep up with them and not the other way around.
Make or Break
If the Trojans win the game, they will have one foot in the Pac-12 Championship Game with a chance to claim their first conference title since 2008 and an opportunity to make back-to-back New Year's Six bowls. If they lose, Arizona is the odds-on favorite in the South and USC is destined for a mid-level bowl game. Saturday is a fork in the road this season and one path is a whole lot more glorious than the other.
Players Mentioned
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