Who would have thought that this would be a big game for the Trojans and the Sun Devils? ASU has lost two straight games to CAL and Stanford, and is looking to get their mojo back. And after having their lunch money stolen at Oregon, SC is just looking to get it’s dignity back.
The final month of the season starts with this game, and the Trojans need to continue their “no loss November” streak to salvage the season. Here’s how the game breaks down:
ASU
Offense – The Sun Devils have been looking for an offensive identity all season. QB Danny Sullivan has not been consistent, only completing 54% of his passes with (8) TDs and (7) INTs. RB Dimitri Nance is solid, but not spectacular. The ASU WRs Kyle Williams and Chris McGaha are active, and have scored three TDs apiece on the year.
Defense – This unit has been the strength of the team. Led by leading tackler LB Mike Nixon, the Sun Devils currently rank #1 in defense in the Pac 10. They are particularly strong against the run keeping offenses to only 2.6 ypc. DT Lawrence Guy leads the team in sacks with 4.5 on the season, and safety Ryan McFoy has collected (3) INTs to lead the secondary.
USC
Offense – QB Matt Barkley and the Trojan offense has developed a balanced attack at this point in the season. The running game behind Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford has been consistent, but they and the Trojan OLine will be tested by a strong ASU run defense. SC can make the Sun Devils pay through the air, but the absence of TE Anthony McCoy and FB Stan Havili will be may felt again this week.
Defense – The ASU offense sets up very well for the Trojan defense to get back on track. The Sun Devils don’t do anything fancy, and the SC front (7) needs to establish itself in the trenches from the get – go. The Trojan LBs, especially, need a confidence building game, and can get it here. The DLine will probably not have DE Everson Griffen, so this is a big game for back up true frosh and Arizona native DE Devon Kennard to make his presence felt. The Trojan secondary will have to be ready against the ASU WRs who have good size, and will be a primary weapon for the Sun Devils in this game.
Prediction:
USC – 31
ASU – 10
3 comments:
Fight On!!!!
USC 21
asu 14
Well...
I think we're going to have to lick our wounds and have to see how the O and D will respond to the drubbing by the 'AFLAC Duck' last week.
Here goes and let's get November back to our normal selves.
SC - 34
ASU - 13
D gathered itself and put together strings of nice plays.
Other than the running game, the offense was pathetic.
1) Barkley's worst game ever!
2) WTF is up w/ our OL?!?!? ... supposed to be a legit STRENGTH of the team this year ... gettin toasted on too many plays!
Thankfully, we're done w/ the road ... time to come home to the Coli w/ 3 solid games to finish the season 10-2 before the BCS bowl game ... (Rose as Pac-10 co-champ?; or Sugar - vs. SEC runner-up??) ...
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