GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: For an offense that seeks what coach Clay Helton touts as balance, USC has been wildly inconsistent with the run. The Trojans must find a way to establish a ground-game threat to open the field for deep, passing plays.
Stanford pounded away at Arizona State with 43 rushing attempts a week ago; Colorado rushed 45 times. In Week 3, San Diego State sent a season-high 58 carries at the Sun Devils defense. All three were Arizona State losses.
DRAFT SLANT
–CB Iman Marshall will likely draw the key defensive assignment against potential first-round draft pick, N’Keal Harry. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Marshall’s size offers a rare counter for the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Harry, serving as something of a preview for Marshall’s abilities against NFL-caliber possession receivers.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB JT Daniels cleared concussion protocol on Monday. Coach Clay Helton said Sunday that QB Jack Sears would begin the week of practices as the first-stringer as Daniels is evaluated.
–QB Matt Fink broke three ribs at Utah and is ruled out for Saturday.
–DE Christian Rector suffered a quadriceps contusion at Utah and is questionable for Saturday.
–S Talanoa Hufanga sustained a back injury at Utah. He is questionable for the Arizona State matchup.
–RB Aca’Cedric Ware is questionable for Saturday after missing the game at Utah due to a shoulder injury.
–CB Jonathan Lockett landed hard on a play in the end zone, and is questionable with a hip injury.
–CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart is questionable due to an ankle injury.
–DT Malik Dorton was pulled at Utah due to an ankle injury.
–LB Cameron Smith suited up and appeared in the opening defensive drive Saturday at Utah, but he did not return due to the hamstring injury that sidelined him Oct. 13 vs. Colorado. His status is uncertain.
=========
