USC Football: Trojans manage to hold off late Arizona rally

The USC Football Trojans added another win to the team’s record after going up early against the Arizona Wildcats and thwarting a comeback rally.

This past weekend, the USC Football Trojans handled their business in Arizona against the Arizona Wildcats.

USC played well on both sides of the ball to get an early 24-0  lead, despite 18 penalties for 169 yards. The penalties helped Arizona get back into the game along with three fumbles lost. Eventually, the Trojans ended up winning 24-20.

USC has committed to the run the last two weeks. Against Arizona, the Trojans ran the ball 47 times for 253 yards. Senior running back Aca’Cedric Ware led the way with 21 carries for 173 and two touchdowns. 

Stephen Carr added 80 yards on 14 carries. Running the ball well helps take the pressure off freshman JT Daniels. It allows Daniels to ease into the game and not trying to do too much and force the ball down the field.

JT finished the game with 197 yards on 16 for 24 passing. He did not throw any touchdowns, but he was efficient and completed passes to seven different receivers.

Daniels has pretty much been a game manager for the last two weeks, which I think is the right approach for USC. They don’t need to him to do too much with the running back talent they have.

Coming into the game, the Wildcats averaged  247 yards a game rushing, USC was able to hold them to 98 yards on just 2.6 per carry.

The Trojans front seven led by linebacker Cameron Smith and defensive lineman Malik Dorton was able to slow down the Wildcats running attack.

Smith led the team with 7 tackles. USC has some nice young pieces on defense, once they all jell together they could be an outstanding defense.

UP next for USC is the surprising Colorado Buffalos after the bye week. If USC sticks with running the ball and playing solid defense, they will win the Pac-12 South.

Running is vital to take the heat off Daniels and opens up the play action passing game. Running also keeps to the clock moving, when successful running you will win the time of possession battle, which is always crucial. It helps your defense stay fresh and tiring the opposing team’s defense.

Two big factors for USC are they must cut down on the Penalties, 18 is too many to have in a game and expect to win. The team needs to find a way to more discipline, if not they will lose games by there own fault.

The USC Football Trojans also need to play four quarters of football. Once you get a team down you have to keep the foot on the gas pedal and put the game way, not let them crawl back in the game.