Arizona Football to Battle Trojans in Pac-12 Showdown
Arizona Football (2-2, 1-0) is ready to continue their Pac-12 play against conference foe, the USC Trojans (2-2, 1-1) in Tucson.
Fresh off their second straight win on the season, Kevin Sumlin and the Arizona Football team turn their focus to a new, tough challenge against conference foe USC in Tucson.
Historically, this has been a tough game for the Wildcats and come Saturday, that sentiment should be no different here in this match-up. Disregard the Trojans’ 2-2 record, they are arguably the most talented team in the conference, but unfortunately have not played to their potential of yet.
Arizona Wildcats
Following two-straight losses, it seems the Trojans may have got a bit of their mojo back, knocking off a solid Washington State team this past weekend. Overall, I think USC played pretty well in that game, erasing a late, 13-point deficit to come away victorious.
While it’s been tough on Helton and on the Trojans to start to 2018 season, keep in mind this is a team breaking in a brand new quarterback and are also replacing Ronald Jones II from last season. Growing pains were to be expected coming into the year.
Regardless of those challenges, I still think USC is arguably the most talented team in the Pac-12, however coaching is where I think they come up short.
They tend to play the Wildcats well and their size and talent difference is usually what shows in these match-ups. USC will be favored and despite two-straight wins by the Wildcats, this game will be a measuring stick as to weather the Wildcats have truly improved from week one.
With that said, here is our breakdown of Arizona’s next opponent, the USC Trojans!
Know Thy Foe:
Team: USC Trojans (2-2, 1-1); beat Washington State 39-36 last week in Los Angeles, CA.
Conference: Pac-12 Conference
2017 Record: 11-3 (8-1); lost 24-7 to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl Classic to end the season.
Head Coach: Clay Helton is 29-12 (21-6) enters his third season as head coach, eighth overall with the Trojans. Helton took over coaching responsibilities in 2015 when former head coach Steve Sarkisian was let go just five games into the season.
Key Returners/ Starters: Offensively, the Trojans are guided by true freshman quarterback, JT Daniels. So far in 2018, he has played as many would expect, a true freshman, but luckily, he has a great supporting cast around him.
In the backfield, is where the Trojans are supremely talented. Carrying the ball so far has been a mixture between Stephan Carr, Aca’Cedric Ware and Vavae Malepeai. Malepeai already has five rushing touchdowns on the year.
On the outside, the Trojans use a bevy of targets. Most of their production has come from Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns, Velus Jones, Jr. and Michael Pittman, Jr.
Across the line, the Trojans return three of five starters.
Defensively is where USC tends to challenge Arizona the most. The Trojans are currently ranked 76th in the NCAA in Total Defense, but don’t let the ranking fool you, they have plenty of athletes everywhere. I imagine they will stack the box against the Wildcats and force Arizona and Khalil Tate to beat them with his arm.
The Trojans’ defense is largely led by senior linebacker, Cameron Smith. Porter Gustin has also proven to be a disruptive force as well, already accounting for five sacks on the year.
Additionally, John Houston, Jr., Marvel Tell III and Ajene Harris have been solid contributors for USC as well as others.
Key Injuries/ Missing Players:
Arizona: Nathan Eldridge (out for season), Alex Kosinski is still out and defensive lineman Justin Belknap is also done for the year.
Senior defensive back Jace Whittaker missed his fourth-straight game against Oregon State and it’s unclear if he will be available versus the Trojans.
Lastly, freshman safety Dayven Coleman missed the game versus Oregon State with a laceration and it’s unknown if he will play versus USC.
USC: The Trojans will most notably be without safety Isaiah Pola-Mao and kicker/ punter Chase McGrath. USC also has a myriad injuries and/ or suspensions, but it is unclear if any of them will suit up and play against the Wildcats on Saturday.
Game Information:
When: Saturday, September 29th, 2018
Time: 7:30 PM MST/PST – ESPN 2
Where: Arizona Stadium (Tucson, AZ)
Spread: -3.0 USC
Overall Series Record: 32-8 USC
Last Meeting vs. Arizona: USC won the last match-up in Los Angeles by a 49-35 final.
Our Prediction: USC 38 Arizona 27. This just smells like a typical Arizona versus USC football game. The Trojans will be more talented, haven’t been playing to their potential, but suddenly will find their rhythm and talent on Saturday. The Wildcats will fight keep this one somewhat competitive, but USC’s talent and depth will prove to be too much for Arizona as they come away victorious.
Listen to Kevin Sumlin following the Wildcats’ win over Oregon State:
light. More. On Arizona Football
Here’s to another week of Arizona Football! The Wildcats will have a tall task in front of them this weekend, but hopefully they can find a way to get the win! Bear Down, Arizona!