ASU Limps into the Coliseum

Before the season began, the SC versus Arizona State contest was supposed to be the game that decided the Pac 10 championship. Instead, it’s a battle for conference survival for both teams.

ASU is in a total tailspin - losers of their last three consecutive games (UNLV, Georgia, and CAL), the Sun Devils are struggling on both sides of the ball. SC, as we know, cannot afford another conference loss. But the Trojans bounced back from a defeat at Oregon St., with an impressive win against Oregon. So who will emerge the survivor in this must win matchup for both teams?

Here's the tale of the tape:

ASU

Offense - The news didn't get any better for ASU this week as they found out that starting QB Rudy Carpenter is very doubtful for the game. His replacement, Danny Sullivan, is 1 - 8 for -1 yards and no TDs on the season. The running game may not be of any help either. ASU is last in the Pac 10 rushing the ball at only 85 yards per game. Neither RBs Dimitri Nance nor Keegan Herring average (4) yards per carry. Which leads us to the OLine - a unit that has struggled to open running lanes and protect the QB (12 sacks given up in 5 games). The WR unit is solid with Mike Jones and Chris McGaha, but these guys have only two TDs between them on the year.

Defense - The DLine struggles to put pressure on the passer, with only DE Dexter Davis able to consistently get into the backfield (Davis has 4 of ASU's 6 sacks). The strength of the defense is the LB unit - both Mike Nixon and Travis Goethel are solid tacklers. Safety Troy Nolan and CB Omar Bolden lead the SunDevil secondary.

Special Teams - So far Punter/FG Kicker is the MVP for ASU this year. He is averaging 42+ yards per punt, and is 8 - 10 on FGs on the season. Kyle Williams is a good combo returner as he doubles as the main punt and kick returner for the SunDevils.



USC

Offense - SC has a little QB limbo going itself - odds are, however, that Mark Sanchez will be recovered enough from a bruised knee to start for the Trojans. Mitch Mustain, who had a solid outing vs. Oregon, waits in the wings if Sanchez is unable to go. The RB unit is starting to define its roles with Stafon Johnson and CJ Gable starting to step up in the running game, with Joe McKnight becoming effective as an RB and receiver out of the backfield. The WRs just need to keep doing what they are doing. Pat Turner, Damian Williams and RoJo have been fantastic catching the ball and making plays. And once again, the OLine can end this game quickly if they impose their will in the trenches and help SC get out to an early lead. ASU will try to pressure the QB early, so the Tackles Butch Lewis and Charles Brown will need to play well - especially against DE Dexter Davis.

Defense - SC has a nice rotation going on the DLine with veteran know-how and young legs. They should be able to plug up the struggling ASU running game, and make new QB Danny Sullivan feel nervous in the pocket. LB Rey Maualuga resumes his starting spot at MLB, and the LB unit should have a great game vs. the run and pass. SC should also see a continued dominance by the DB unit. Safeties Kevin Ellison have played extremely well this year, and the CBs may finally get a few ball thrown their way against ASU's solid receiver corp.

Special Teams - We'll keep saying it until it happens . . . Can a brotha get a kickoff return for a TD??!!
RoJo and CJ Gable are the guys that have to get a least one this year. And in a good move, Stafon Johnson will probably replace Joe McKnight as the punt returner.

Prediction Time:

USC - 51

ASU - 7