Fred G. Sanford would have said it best, "Ohhh Elizabeth . . . I'm comin' to join ya' honey . . . this is the BIG one . . . USC vs. ASU."
The Trojan run through November ends with a Thanksgiving tilt in Tempe, Arizona with the ASU Sun Devils. And this game sets up the winner to be in good position to win the Pac 10 championship (with an eye on Oregon's recent troubles, of course). USC will be as healthy as its been since the beginning of the season, and is used to these types of big games.
But after a review of these two teams, you'll find that they are very evenly matched offensively and defensively. And besides the usual keys of limiting turnovers and execution, this game has a "who wants it more" feel to it.
Let's break it down:
ASU
Offense: The Sun Devils are led by QB Rudy Carpenter, a talented passer who comes into the game with 20 TDs and 8 INTs, but also a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. The running game is led by RB Keegan Herring (77 ypg) since the season ending injury to high profile back Ryan Torain. The WRs are not spectacular, but they are very solid with (4) guys collecting over 25 balls this year - led by Chris McGaha's 41 receptions and Mike Jones' 18 ypc average. ASU's OLine anchors a very balanced attack that leads the Pac 10 conference in time of possession - but they have a glaring weakness - they are last in sacks, giving up over 4 per game.
Defense: A very underrated group that ranks in the top three in nearly all of the major defensive categories within the Pac 10. Most importantly, they are tied for first in Takeaways. The DLine is led by Dexter Davis who has 8.5 sacks, and LB Robert James is a very active player. But the strength of the defense might be the defensive backfield - SS Troy Nolan has 5 INTs and ASU ranks only behind SC in terms of pass defense efficiency. There has been one problem area - Red Zone defense. ASU is last in that category in the Pac 10, as teams have scored on the Sun Devils nearly every time they get inside the 20 yard line. The good part for the Sun Devils is that their turnover prowess has prevented teams from getting inside their 20 yard line a lot.
Special Teams - ASU boasts the best FG kicker in the league in Thomas Weber, clicking at a 95% rate (19 - 20). And Kyle Williams and Rudy Burgess have been very solid punt/kickoff return men for the Sun Devils.
USC
Offense: We know the deal for QB JD Booty - no INTs and play efficiently. When that happens, SC's offense maintains possession of the ball, and doesn't hurt itself. The running game will have to show up big time again. Having a healthy Stafon Johnson to go with a hot CWashington should be a plus. The WRs will face some good DBs in this game, so they may not be spectacular, but all they have to do is CATCH the ball - no drops, please. More trench warfare for SC's OLine - once again, they must impose their will in the running game, and keep Booty's jersey clean. FB Stanley Havili and TE Fred Davis will be looked upon for the mismatches vs. ASU's back seven defenders.
Defense: The DLine can make some hay in this game on the pass rush, as the ASU OLine does not protect the passer well - LoJack and EGriffen will get some opportunities off the edge. But as usual, it starts with stopping the run game. I think SC's LBs should expect some RB/WR screen plays to RB Keegan Herring and Rudy Burgess from ASU as they will try to escape SC's pass rush. SC's DBs are kind of the unsung group of this defense, and they face another good challenge. TThomas' and KEllison's leadership will be called to the forefront again vs. ASU's solid WR corp.
Special Teams: The coverage and return units have played well this year. RoJo is getting closer and closer to busting a KOR. DBuehler has been really solid, but GWoidneck is not getting good distance on his punts. Watch for JMcKnight on punt returns . . . I got a feelin'.
Prediction Time:
USC - 27
ASU - 16
The Trojan run through November ends with a Thanksgiving tilt in Tempe, Arizona with the ASU Sun Devils. And this game sets up the winner to be in good position to win the Pac 10 championship (with an eye on Oregon's recent troubles, of course). USC will be as healthy as its been since the beginning of the season, and is used to these types of big games.
But after a review of these two teams, you'll find that they are very evenly matched offensively and defensively. And besides the usual keys of limiting turnovers and execution, this game has a "who wants it more" feel to it.
Let's break it down:
ASU
Offense: The Sun Devils are led by QB Rudy Carpenter, a talented passer who comes into the game with 20 TDs and 8 INTs, but also a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. The running game is led by RB Keegan Herring (77 ypg) since the season ending injury to high profile back Ryan Torain. The WRs are not spectacular, but they are very solid with (4) guys collecting over 25 balls this year - led by Chris McGaha's 41 receptions and Mike Jones' 18 ypc average. ASU's OLine anchors a very balanced attack that leads the Pac 10 conference in time of possession - but they have a glaring weakness - they are last in sacks, giving up over 4 per game.
Defense: A very underrated group that ranks in the top three in nearly all of the major defensive categories within the Pac 10. Most importantly, they are tied for first in Takeaways. The DLine is led by Dexter Davis who has 8.5 sacks, and LB Robert James is a very active player. But the strength of the defense might be the defensive backfield - SS Troy Nolan has 5 INTs and ASU ranks only behind SC in terms of pass defense efficiency. There has been one problem area - Red Zone defense. ASU is last in that category in the Pac 10, as teams have scored on the Sun Devils nearly every time they get inside the 20 yard line. The good part for the Sun Devils is that their turnover prowess has prevented teams from getting inside their 20 yard line a lot.
Special Teams - ASU boasts the best FG kicker in the league in Thomas Weber, clicking at a 95% rate (19 - 20). And Kyle Williams and Rudy Burgess have been very solid punt/kickoff return men for the Sun Devils.
USC
Offense: We know the deal for QB JD Booty - no INTs and play efficiently. When that happens, SC's offense maintains possession of the ball, and doesn't hurt itself. The running game will have to show up big time again. Having a healthy Stafon Johnson to go with a hot CWashington should be a plus. The WRs will face some good DBs in this game, so they may not be spectacular, but all they have to do is CATCH the ball - no drops, please. More trench warfare for SC's OLine - once again, they must impose their will in the running game, and keep Booty's jersey clean. FB Stanley Havili and TE Fred Davis will be looked upon for the mismatches vs. ASU's back seven defenders.
Defense: The DLine can make some hay in this game on the pass rush, as the ASU OLine does not protect the passer well - LoJack and EGriffen will get some opportunities off the edge. But as usual, it starts with stopping the run game. I think SC's LBs should expect some RB/WR screen plays to RB Keegan Herring and Rudy Burgess from ASU as they will try to escape SC's pass rush. SC's DBs are kind of the unsung group of this defense, and they face another good challenge. TThomas' and KEllison's leadership will be called to the forefront again vs. ASU's solid WR corp.
Special Teams: The coverage and return units have played well this year. RoJo is getting closer and closer to busting a KOR. DBuehler has been really solid, but GWoidneck is not getting good distance on his punts. Watch for JMcKnight on punt returns . . . I got a feelin'.
Prediction Time:
USC - 27
ASU - 16
6 comments:
I'm going with the tune of:
SC - 31
ASU - 20
Oops. That was J-Man.
It's turducken time ...
'SC - 30
asu - 17
SC- 34
ASU- 14
I think we have some surprises in store for Dennis.
Who's that anonymous? He has my score!
SC 31
ASU 21
SC - 24
ASU - 17
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