MATCHUPS: No. 21 USC (6-2) at Arizona State (4-3)
Tonight, 7:45, Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz. TV: ESPN, Radio, 870, 830
Marquee matchup
Sam Darnold vs. Arizona State pass defense: Darnold torched Arizona State for 352 yards, three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown last season. But USC’s offense has slowed this season, and Arizona State has suddenly found a stout pass defense. Cornerback Chad Adams has allowed 10 yards total in the last three games. The pass rush has generated 22 sacks, 15th nationally, and Tashon Smallwood, JoJo Wicker and A.J. Latu have combined for 57 quarterback pressures this season, sixth best among power five teams.
Getting offensive
8 USC (459.4 ypg/31.9 ppg): Turnovers again sank USC’s offense against Notre Dame. Darnold fumbled the opening snap and had a pass intercepted, and Jack Jones muffed a punt. USC had just 76 yards on the ground, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. The Trojans’ 14 points was their lowest total since Darnold became the starter. 8 Arizona State (395.6 ypg/29.4 ppg): Arizona State, meanwhile, has just six turnovers all season. Manny Wilkins has been efficient with 1,837 passing yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He doesn’t run heavily but is capable and has three rushing touchdowns. N’Keal Harry is his most dangerous target. He averages almost 90 yards per game. The Sun Devils distribute carries evenly between Kalen Ballage (4.1 yards per carry) and Demario Richard (3.6).
Getting defensive
8 USC (399.4 ypg/26.9 ppg): USC’s defense was shredded for 377 yards rushing by Notre Dame, and now it will be down two more starters: cornerback Iman Marshall, who left that game early with a knee injury, and outside linebacker Christian Rector, who broke his hand during practice. USC, however, could return defensive tackle Josh Fatu (concussion) and outside linebacker Porter Gustin (fracture big toe, torn biceps), who will both be game-time decisions. 8 Arizona State (416.6 ypg/28.4 ppg): Last week, 40% of Utah’s plays went for no gain or negative yardage. According to Arizona State, linebacker D.J. Calhoun hasn’t missed a single tackle all season.
Something special
Arizona State has three blocked kicks this season. Kicker Brandon Ruiz’s 11 field goals is tied for first among all freshmen.
USC’s own freshman, Chase McGrath, missed his first field goal in nine tries last week. Jones, the new punt returner, averaged 12 yards per return but had a fumble.
Of note
USC has lost two of its last three games in Tempe. … Arizona State hasn’t had a three-game winning streak in the Pac-12 since 2014, when the Sun Devils ran off four in a row against USC, Stanford, Washington and Utah.
Local ties
USC has three players from Phoenix: offensive tackle Austin Jackson, linebacker Connor Murphy and injured safety Isaiah Pola-Mao. Arizona State has 29 Californians on its roster, including starters Richard (Palmdale), receiver Kyle Williams (Murrieta), tight end Ceejhay French-Love (Long Beach), left tackle Cohl Cabral (Rancho Cucamonga), right tackle Zach Robertson (Bellflower), linebacker Jay Jay Wilson (Santa Clarita), Wicker (Long Beach), Latu (Rancho Cucamonga) and defensive back Kobe Williams (Long Beach).