The Wildcats Come to Town

Alright . . . let's get on with the rest of the season. Its game number six, but its really Game One A.S. (after Stanford), and the Trojans need to get back to playing good football in all facets of the game.

There's some intrigue to this one as Trojan QB Mark Sanchez will step in for an injured J.D. Booty. And Arizona comes in a little down about their season, but they may have played their best game of the year vs. Wazzu last week as they beat the Cougars 48 - 20. So one team is coming off a devastating defeat, and the other their best victory . . . who will impose their will on the game?

Arizona

Offense: The great offensive experiment in the desert may slowly be paying dividends. Arizona has gone to a passing offense behind QB Willie Tuitama, and at least his stats are better than in previous seasons. He's got 15 TDs vs. 7 INTs, while completing 61% of his passes. 'Zona is also leaning on its true freshmen to produce: RB Nicholas Grigsby had a breakout game of 186 yards rushing and TE Rob Gronkowski caught 5 balls for 115 yards and a TD last week. Veteran WR Mike Thomas has been the main beneficiary of 'Zona's new wide open attack - he has 38 receptions and 6TDs.

Defense: This unit is not as good as they thought it would be. Once an upper-echeleon unit in the Pac 10, the 'Zona defense is now middle of the road or worse in every defensive category. And they haven't played great offensive teams. LB Spencer Larsen and DB Antoine Cason lead the defensive unit for the Cats.

Special Teams: Antoine Cason is a dangerous punt returner with one return of 70 yards for a score. The kicking game is strong for Arizona - the punter is the best in the Pac 10, and the FG kicker is solid making 10 - 13 FG attempts.

USC

Offense: QB Mark Sanchez saddles up as a first time starter this Saturday. He's talented, but shouldn't be made to carry the load vs. Arizona. Distributing the ball in the short passing game, and running the ball will most likely be the gameplan for the Trojans this weekend. The OLine with two backups and a couple of walking wounded will have to "man up" and protect the new QB, as well as open holes in the running game. TE Fred Davis is playing like an All American, so he should see his share of opportunities.

Defense: The unit has played very good ball all year (except for the infamous 4Q vs. Stanford) and will need to turn in another one vs. Arizona's passing game. The DLine can be disruptive by getting their hands in the passing lanes and not giving QB Tuitama enough time to look downfield. The Safeties and LBs will need to make the 'Zona WRs pay for crossing the middle, and will have to keep an eye on the TE. The CBs will be tested on the outside all game long. Terrell Thomas will have to take Cats WR Mike Thomas out of the game.

Special Teams - The word "special" doesn't apply to this unit. A contribution has to made from the return game sooner or later. A big return or TD would really help the Trojan offense and team spirits right about now.

Prediction Time:

USC - 27

Zona - 13