Here are three things to watch in Saturday’s USC-Arizona game at Arizona Stadium (12:30 p.m., Fox), plus a score prediction and some pertinent preview links:
1. FIRST TAKEAWAY
Here’s a not-so-fun stat if you’re an Arizona fan: Take away the six-turnover barrage against Grambling State and the Wildcats have only three takeaways in their other five games. They had none against BYU, UCLA or Utah – all losses, by the way. That’s simply not good enough, and it won’t get the job done against USC. The good news is that the Trojans have struggled with ball security. They lost three fumbles at Utah on Sept. 23 and turned the ball over four times last week against Colorado. (It’s a testament to the Trojans’ talent that they won that game anyway.) As effective as he has been since he entered the starting lineup, USC quarterback Sam Darnold will make the occasional rookie mistake. Remember, he’s still just a redshirt freshman making his second career road start. Arizona has to make him uncomfortable, and when he runs, multiple defenders have to arrive on the scene.
2. KEEPING UP WITH JONES
As I wrote about earlier this week, Arizona has been getting gashed on the ground in the second halves of its Pac-12 games. The Wildcats catch a break against the Trojans in that starting tailback Justin Davis (ankle) is out. But his replacement is electric sophomore Ronald Jones II, who has one career 100-yard rushing game – against Arizona last season. (Jones rushed for 177 yards in all.) Jones hasn’t been as effective this season in USC’s more traditional-looking offense; his yards per carry is down from 6.5 to 4.5. But the Wildcats defense has made a lot of backs look good lately. Although, as mentioned, second halves have been problematic, it’s critical that Arizona not let Jones get off to a good start, which would boost his confidence. Michael Barton, the likely new starting middle linebacker, will play a pivotal role in that effort.
3. JAMMING UP JACKSON
It’s no secret that Arizona’s special-teams units have struggled of late. They were a little better against Utah, but not great. Punter Josh Pollack, kickoff specialist Edgar Gastelum and the coverage teams will have to be on point against Adoree’ Jackson, USC’s explosive, slippery return specialist. Jackson already has returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns this season; he is among the most elusive open-field runners in the nation. Pollack has been kicking too many line drives, especially on rugby-style punts. He needs to get better hang time, hit bouncing kicks that are harder to field – or even punt the ball out of bounds to keep it out of Jackson’s hands altogether. Gastelum has to do one of two things: kick the ball deep enough into the end zone that Jackson doesn’t consider taking it out or high enough to give the Wildcats sufficient time to get downfield.
FINAL SCORE: USC 28, Arizona 27
PREVIEW LINKS:
For Wildcats scorned by USC, game is chance to prove themselves
Greg Hansen: Having untested QB doesn't mean Arizona is doomed
USC-Arizona Hot Sheet: On Griffey's jump ball, Tate's HS reunion, Barton's expanded role
