Two teams with different outlooks after the opening month of the season hope to start October off on the right note in a Pac-12 clash in the City of Angels. The Arizona State Sun Devils are on the road as they make the trip north to face the #6 USC Trojans Saturday night. Arizona State was drubbed 34-13 at home by #13 Utah, failing to cover as a 17-point underdog, in their previous contest last Saturday. USC had a war on their hands but managed to escape with a 17-14 road win over Oregon State though they failed to cover as a 5.5-point favorite last Saturday. In the all-time series between the programs, the Trojans own a 24-14 advantage though it was the Sun Devils prevailing 31-16 at home in the most recent meeting on November 6, 2021.
Arizona State was overmatched as they were waxed at home by #13 Utah last week and now have to face the other Pac-12 South powerhouse in this contest. The Sun Devils enter this game 1-3 overall and stand 0-1 in the Pac-12 after losing Shawn Aguano’s head coaching debut following the firing of Herm Edwards. Against Utah, Arizona State trailed 14-0 after the opening quarter and 17-0 midway through the second quarter to wind up in a hole they were unable to climb out of in the game. The Sun Devils never got closer than 14 the rest of the way. Arizona State was outgained 465-267 in total offense, gave up 26 first downs while recording 15 and lost the time of possession by a 35:33 to 24:27 margin. The Sun Devils also turned the ball over three times while recording only one takeaway.
The Sun Devils are averaging 204.5 yards per game through the air this season (101st in the nation) whil e they run for 143.5 yards per contest, which is 86th in the country. Arizona State is 106th in the FBS in scoring offense with an average of 22.8 points per game and they stand 71st in scoring defense by allowing 25.2 points per contest. Emory Jones is 66 of 110 passing for 818 yards with three touchdowns and two picks this season while adding 12 yards plus three scores on the ground. Xazavian Valladay leads the team on the ground with 60 carries for 391 yards plus four scores this season. Daniyel Ngata (21 carries, 125 yards) and Tevin White (eight carries, 29 yards) are next in line for the run game opportunities. Elijhah Badger leads the team with 22 receptions for 293 yards plus a score this season. Giovanni Sanders (10 grabs, 164 yards) is the only other player with double-digit receptions and at least 100 receiving yards on the year. Carter Brown has connected on all 10 extra point attempts and seven of eight field goal attempts with a long of 47 this season.