No. 20 USC (1-0) at Arizona (0-0)
Series
The Trojans have dominated Arizona as they have a 35-8 record in the series while winning seven in a row, nine of ten, and 16 of the last 18. USC has 24 points in each game against Arizona in the last 10; however 19 of the 43 meetings in this series have been decided by eight points or less. Last season, Kenan Christon has a pair of touchdown runs and then Kedon Slovis threw two touchdown scores as USC dominated the Wildcats, 41-14
Vs. The Spread
USC is 6-1 ATS in it’s last seven games against Arizona, but 2-4 in it’s last six road games. The Wildcats have been prowling with the under as they have failed to reach the number in five of their last six vs. the Trojans and the total has been under in four of the last six games.
| Teams | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC | -14 (-115) | -555 | O 67½ (-110) |
| Arizona | +14 (-105) | +435 | U 67½ (-110) |
Last Week
The Trojans trailed Arizona State for most of the afternoon, but Slovis was money in the game’s last three minutes as he hit Bru McCoy with a 26-yard touchdown pass and hit tight end Drake London from 21 yards out to give USC the 28-27 win. McCoy then recovered the onside kick after his touchdown which set up the Slovis-to-London heroics with 1:20 to play.
Arizona had it’s opener against Utah cancelled due to Covid-19 related issues.
When USC has the Ball
Slovis proved himself last season as the Pac-12 Offensive POY and then he completed 40-of-55 passes for 381 yards against the Sun Devils. The Trojans survived four turnovers and turning the ball over on downs twice. London was 8-125 and St. Brown was 7-100 in the passing game while offensive coordinator Graham Harrell used three different running backs as the Trojans had a solid 175 yards on the ground.
Wildcats defensive back Lorenzo Burns comes into the game with nine career interceptions. Senior linebacker Anthony Pandy comes into the season as the Mike-linebacker in defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads’ new 3-4 scheme. He has 100 tackles, ten for loss, and four sacks in his career. Jalen Harris is a senior linebacker that Rhoads will also feature in his scheme.
When Arizona has the Ball
The Wildcats are more of a passing team under Kevin Sumlin, but running back Gary Brightwell has 157 carries for 951 yards and eight touchdowns coming into the season. Jamarye Joiner is the leading returning receiver as he had 552 yards and five TDs. Sophomore Grant Gunnell had a solid freshman year at quarterback with eight appearances and nine touchdown passes against only one interception in 155 attempts.
The Trojans defense was gashed by the Sun Devils for 258 yards on the ground. The running threat of quarterback Jayden Daniels opened up DeaMonte Trayanum and Rachaad White as the rushing attack averaged 6.8 yards per carry with Trayanum scoring two touchdowns. Safety Talanoa Hufanga and defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu led the Trojans with ten and 9.5 tackles, respectively. It’s a unit that returns 11 of it’s 13 leading tacklers.
Winner: USC (-14) 42, Arizona 20
Over-Under: Take Under 67½
