NFL
By George Lopez
Sept. 23, 2023
The #5 ranked USC Trojans travel to Tempe, Arizona this weekend to face PAC12 rival Arizona St. This marks the Trojans’ first game on the road this season after 3 impressive performances at the LA Coliseum. The Trojans will be looking to avoid a letdown against a Sun Devils team that has been struggling this season and hit with injuries. Arizona St. is coming off a 29-0 defeat to Fresno St. The Sun Devils will be without starting quarterback Jaden Rashada and #2 quarterback Trenton Bourguet, both out with injuries. Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham stated that 3rd string quarterback Drew Pyne, who is dealing with a muscle injury may be available. If Pyne is not able to play, look for Jacob Conner, a transfer from BYU, to start for the Sun Devils.
USC Offense vs. Sun Devils Defense
Leading the Trojans offense is quarterback Caleb Williams. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is off to an impressive start in the 2023 season. Through 3 games, Williams has passed for 878 yards with 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. What makes his numbers even more impressive is the fact Williams has done this playing only 8 quarters through 3 games. Williams has a remarkable ability to feel and avoid the pass rush and escape outside the pocket. When Williams is able to get outside the pocket, he is a threat not only with his arm but running the ball as well. Even with Williams not playing the entire game, the Trojans have scored an average of 59 points in their first 3 games. Through their first 3 games, the Sun Devils are allowing an average of 25 points per game, though they have not faced an offense as prolific as the Trojans offense.
Williams has completed passes to 12 different receivers this season. Leading the receiving corp is senior Tahj Washington. Through 3 games, Washington has hauled in 9 passes for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns. Washington and freshman Duce Robinson have been Williams’ deep threats, averaging 25.9 and 23.3 yards per reception respectively. Mario Williams has been the receiver Williams will look for to make the tough catches running slants and DIG routes. In Coach Lincoln Riley’s multiple-receiver formation, look for Williams to continue to spread the ball around and keep the Sun Devils’ defense on its heels.
Freshman Zachariah Branch has brought excitement to the Trojans with his play. At the receiver position, Branch has caught 9 passes for 2 touchdowns. On special teams, Branch has excelled, returning both a punt and kickoff for touchdowns. Branch has Trojan fans thinking back to the days of Reggie Bush with his play on the field.
The Trojans are averaging 185 yards per game rushing the ball. The Trojans use multiple backs in their running game. Leading the way is Marshawn Lloyd. Through the first 3 games. Lloyd has rushed for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for Quinten Joyner and Austin Jones to see significant time in the backfield for the Trojans.
Trojans Defense vs. Sun Devils Offense
The Trojans defense has shown improvement over their first 3 games. Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch continues to adjust his defensive schemes to get the Trojans’ defense firing on all cylinders. The Trojans have done a much better job at stopping the run between the tackles. They still are susceptible to allowing big gains on running plays off tackles. In the Trojans’ 3-3-5 defense, edge rusher Jamil Muhammad and weak side linebacker Tackett Curtis will need to improve on getting off their blocks quicker and maintaining proper pursuit angles to force the Sun Devils running game back inside where the Trojans’ pursuit will be there to minimize any yardage gained.
The probability the Sun Devils will start their 4th string quarterback, look for Coach Grinch to bring more pressure with his pass rush in an attempt to move the Sun Devils quarterback off his spot and force him to rush his pass attempts. Look for the Trojans to bring blitzes with their inside linebackers up the middle as well as outside blitzes coming from the secondary.
Prediction
The Trojans hit the road for the first time this season. With Arizona St. hit with injuries, this could become a trap game for the Trojans. Look for Coach Riley to have his team focused and ready to play at maximum potential from the opening kickoff. Do not expect to see Caleb Williams play the entire as Coach Riley will rest him early in the 2nd half when the game has completely gotten out of hand as the Trojans will improve to 4-0
Trojans 56
Sun Devils 17
