So yeah, time for another heart attack this weekend... Though the last time the Trojans played in back to back single digit victories, USC played Arizona State the next weekend and led 42-7 at halftime. But I don't see that happening this week. If Sun Devil Coac h Dirk Koetter has even seen the highlights of USC/WSU and USC/UW, he would know to have QB Rudy Carpenter to utilize a three to five step drop with quick routes to beat the Trojans. Arizona State also has a couple of running backs, led by RB Keegan Herring, who rack up gaudy numbers in the yards per rush category. If in the right scheme, Carpenter has a lot of weapons through the air, led by arguably the best tight end in the nation in Zach Miller. The difference between the Washington schools and Arizona State is that coming into their game with USC, the Huskies and Cougars were on a roll, with Washington having won three straight, and four out of five, including wins over Fresno State and Arizona, and Washington State winning four straight after dropping their road opener at Auburn. The Sun Devils come in on a two game losing streak which saw them being taken to the barn by the class of the Pac-10, being blown out at California and at home against Oregon. Arizona State started off the season on a three game winning streak, but those wins weren't that impressive, needing two fourth quarter touchdowns to pull away from Northern Arizona, blowing out a mediocre Nevada team, and just getting by Colorado.
Meanwhile, the Trojans come in having won five straight, but may be looking ahead to the bye week that awaits them after this contest. With nagging injuries to WR Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith, and Chris McFoy, they could use the extra week's rest before travel to Corvalis and Palo Alto. QB John David Booty has done the best he is capable of, but if he continues to lock into receivers, USC may be in for a long game. The running game has not established itself either, with Chauncey Washington and Emmanuel Moody doing their best rotating in and out and wearing down the opposing defensive line with short runs. With Jarrett, Smith, and McFoy hampered with injuries, Patrick Turner stepped up his game last week, catching 12 balls for well over 116 yards and a TD. TE Fred Davis needs to be more aggressive out there, he should try to run defenders over instead of trying to hurdle them. The speed of the defense has been neutralized in the last two games with the opposing offenses using it to their advantage. Quick three step drops allow the offense to move the ball with safe routes and prevent the Trojans from creating turnovers. Carpenter will be the most established QB compared to Cougar QB Alex Brink and Husky QB Isaiah Stanback, though he is a more traditional pocket passer that may have to rely more on five to seven step drops.
There's one song the Trojan Marching Band to play on Saturday. It's not "Fight On." It's not "Conquest." It's "All Right Now." USC has only forced one turnover in the last two games, with the one being an interception on the game's final play against Washington State. If this trend continues, the Trojans might be playing in Aloha Stadium instead of the Rose Bowl come bowl season. But for this game, ASU is 0-11 under Koetter in California. Don't look for that to change this week.
USC (-19) 23, Arizona State 7
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