Arizona State Football: 3 Keys to Beating USC

No. 23 USC Trojans vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Kickoff time: 7:15 PM

Tempe, AZ

The showdown in the dessert between the Trojans of Southern California and the Sun Devils of Arizona State will feature two Pac-12 South schools with two different objectives for their respective 2011 seasons.

USC is in the final season of their two-year postseason ban and have no chance of making a bowl game. This is somewhat of a rebuilding year for the Trojans.

As for Arizona State, all the pressure is on head coach Dennis Erickson to duplicate the success he found in 2007 (his first season at Arizona State).

ASU can still afford a loss to the Trojans and represent the South as a conference representative, but there is no doubt that Sun Devils would be disappointed with back-to-back losses. With USC being unable to play in the Pac-12 championship game, Arizona State could finish behind the Trojans and still be crowned division champs.

I bet if you asked Sun Devils fans, they’d tell you they would much rather win it outright. Here’s that chance. 

Take Robert Woods out of the Game

USC’s offense revolves around star wide receiver Robert Woods.

Woods (33 catches, 361 yards and four TDs) has been absolutely impossible to defend in USC’s first three games, so finding a way to shut down USC’s passing attack is key No. 1. One cornerback, Osahon Irabor or Deveron Carr, will cover Woods underneath with a linebacker or safety helping out.

In 2011, USC has been pitiful rushing the ball (injuries and suspensions), allowing Arizona State’s defense to focus solely on the Trojans’ passing game.

When I say take him out of the game, I don’t mean by injuring him. Double coverage and physical corners not allowing separation should do.

Avoid Turnovers

The Sun Devils have been horrible at turning the ball over, something that killed the team last season as well.

In ASU’s first three games, the Sun Devils have committed six turnovers and have only forced four.

With both teams being so evenly matched, a turnover or two could be what costs the team a victory.

Osweiler has already thrown three picks and USC’s fast safety, T.J. McDonald, would love take one back for six points.

Playing smart football is the second key to victory.

Whoever wins the turnover battle will almost undoubtedly win the game.

Use the Home Field Advantage

As I’ve emphasized throughout these slides, this game is so evenly matched that it could easily go either way.

ASU’s biggest advantage and critical key to victory will be to bring the home crowd into the game and keep them loud throughout it.

USC has three inexperienced starting offensive linemen and an offense that has struggled to gel in 2011. If the crowd can force a couple of false starts, early snaps and delay of game penalties that kill a drive or two, that might be enough to change the outlook of the game. The crowd will need to be the Sun Devils’ 12^th man.