Saturdays Press Enterprise USC Football Notes...

tirebiter · 11-06-2009, 09:18 PM

No. 12 USC at Arizona State

AT SUN DEVIL STADIUM, 5 P.M., CHANNEL 7

USC tries to force offensive balance, but if ASU's run defense is what it's cracked up to be, then freshman quarterback Matt Barkley may need to add to his TD pass total (nine), but not his interceptions (6).

The Trojans' wounded defense has been scorched for 110 points the past three games, albeit against the three most dangerous attacks it has faced. If ASU's struggling offense goes off, too, well, get ready for the storm.

ARIZONA STATE BREAKDOWN

The Sun Devils haven't beaten USC since 1999, a nine-game losing streak that is the longest such drought within the Pacific-10 Conference. If the streak is going to end, it likely will be a defensive effort. ASU's 80 rushing yards per game allowed ranks fourth in the nation. The Sun Devils have strong local ties, with 12 players from Riverside and San Bernardino schools, including six from Corona Centennial. Starters include linebacker Vontaze Burfict and defensive tackle William Sutton from Centennial, safety Ryan McFoy from Chino, center Garth Gerhart from Norco and cornerback Omar Bolden from Ontario Colony.

FYI

Barkley's Santa Ana Mater Dei team played against Burfict's Centennial team, and the quarterback recalled him as "a beast." Barkley said he wanted to keep Burfict in the USC family when the Corona native and Trojan recruit was wavering last winter, but was unable to reach him by phone. ... The Trojans have surrendered more points the last three games than they gave up in the entire 2008 season -- 98. ... Tight end Anthony McCoy's bad ankle will keep him home. He will again be replaced by Rhett Ellison and Blake Ayles. ... Linebacker Malcolm Smith (shoulder) is out, with Shane Horton starting and Jordan Campbell expected to get some minutes. ... Running backs Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford took it easy on sore knees early in the week, but are fit to go. ... Wide receiver Damian Williams also rested a dicey hamstring during the week, but will play.

GREGG PATTON

11-06-2009, 09:18 PM	#1
tirebiter WeAreSC Staff Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belmont Shore, CA Posts: 13,187	Saturdays Press Enterprise USC Football Notes... No. 12 USC at Arizona State AT SUN DEVIL STADIUM, 5 P.M., CHANNEL 7 USC tries to force offensive balance, but if ASU's run defense is what it's cracked up to be, then freshman quarterback Matt Barkley may need to add to his TD pass total (nine), but not his interceptions (6). The Trojans' wounded defense has been scorched for 110 points the past three games, albeit against the three most dangerous attacks it has faced. If ASU's struggling offense goes off, too, well, get ready for the storm. ARIZONA STATE BREAKDOWN The Sun Devils haven't beaten USC since 1999, a nine-game losing streak that is the longest such drought within the Pacific-10 Conference. If the streak is going to end, it likely will be a defensive effort. ASU's 80 rushing yards per game allowed ranks fourth in the nation. The Sun Devils have strong local ties, with 12 players from Riverside and San Bernardino schools, including six from Corona Centennial. Starters include linebacker Vontaze Burfict and defensive tackle William Sutton from Centennial, safety Ryan McFoy from Chino, center Garth Gerhart from Norco and cornerback Omar Bolden from Ontario Colony. FYI Barkley's Santa Ana Mater Dei team played against Burfict's Centennial team, and the quarterback recalled him as "a beast." Barkley said he wanted to keep Burfict in the USC family when the Corona native and Trojan recruit was wavering last winter, but was unable to reach him by phone. ... The Trojans have surrendered more points the last three games than they gave up in the entire 2008 season -- 98. ... Tight end Anthony McCoy's bad ankle will keep him home. He will again be replaced by Rhett Ellison and Blake Ayles. ... Linebacker Malcolm Smith (shoulder) is out, with Shane Horton starting and Jordan Campbell expected to get some minutes. ... Running backs Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford took it easy on sore knees early in the week, but are fit to go. ... Wide receiver Damian Williams also rested a dicey hamstring during the week, but will play. GREGG PATTON ________________________________________________________________________ WeAreSC.com contributor since 2000

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode