PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Vavae Malepeai was USC’s most productive ball-carrier at Utah, rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He also caught a pass for 12 yards. With Aca’Cedric Ware’s status uncertain and Stephen Carr’s production ineffective — he averaged just 1.9 yards per carry last time out — Malepeai could see a heavier workload against Arizona State.
–WR Michael Pittman continues to assert himself as the most dangerous weapon in USC’s offense, averaging 26.8 yards on his four receptions against Utah. If there’s any weakness in Arizona State’s defense, Stanford may have most effectively exploited it for three quarters last week, frequently attacking the Sun Devils defensive backs in one-on-one matchups against J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. A similar style of receiver, Pittman could be targeted for similar big plays (and possible penalties) frequently.
–LB John Houston Jr. was “a warrior” against Utah, according to coach Clay Helton. Houston recorded a game-high 15 tackles with a sack. Houston’s ability to blitz and lead in run-pursuit are huge assets, particularly with DE/LB Porter Gustin out for the season, and the status of ILB Cameron Smith uncertain.
–LB Palaie Gaoteote had his second straight productive outing filling at ILB for Cameron Smith. He made 11 tackles and a sack at Utah.
SERIES HISTORY: USC leads the all-time series, 22-12. The Trojans have won the last three by margins of 28, 21 and 31 points. Arizona State’s last win came at the Coliseum in 2014, on a Hail Mary pass from QB Mike Bercovici to WR Jaelen Strong.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We have a three-horse race with three teams sitting at the top right now with Utah, us and Colorado. We have no time to feel sorry for ourselves.” — USC coach Clay Helton on the Pac-12 South race
