USC Football: Staff predictions vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

The USC football team takes on the formerly ranked Arizona State Sun Devils looking to stay just one game behind the Utah Utes in the PAC-12 South.

As up and down as the USC football team’s season has been, the team is still just one game behind of Utah in the PAC-12 South and absolutely could make a run to win the division late in the season.

Winning the conference would be another story as 8-1 Oregon has a firm grip on being the best team in the PAC-12 and just routed the Trojans last week.

Right now, the Trojans have to take things one game at a time and avoid getting caught up in all of that and looking towards the future. This week, they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils, who were formerly ranked and have taken a big hit in conference play with a 2-3 record against the PAC-12.

They were 3-0 outside of the PAC-12.

It is going to be an interesting game, especially with it being at Arizona State. Here is how the LA Sports Hub staff sees the contest going down.

Jamaal Artis (7-7): 27-17, Arizona State

The USC Trojans go on the road to face the Arizona State Sun Devils. Both teams are coming off a loss and are looking to get back into the win column.

The Trojans offense and Kedon Slovis look to get back on track after getting stomped on in there last game. The Sun Devils defense will prove to be difficult to challenge. The Sun Devils give up an average of 21 points per game and really clamp down on run defense, giving up just 114 rushing yards per game.

The USC defense needs to do better than the 184 rushing yards per game they give up. That will be tough as they face Eno Benjamin who is 7th in the PAC-12 with 679 rushing yards.

Hil Lopez (7-8): 30-28, Arizona State

The Trojans are coming off a 56-24 blowout loss at home against #7 Oregon last week. Justin Herbert absolutely shredded them after USC got off to a quick start in the game. At 5-4, USC is desperate to make a bowl game as they take on the Arizona St. Sun Devils.

The Sun Devils are a tough team and former NFL coach Herm Edwards is now their coach. He will have his team ready to go against USC in what I see will be a close divisional game.

USC will put up a good fight, but since they are on the road in this one I see Arizona St. coming out on top 30-28.

Redan Lopez (10-6): 40-32, USC

After getting demolished by the Oregon Ducks 56-24 at home, the Trojans will look to rebound against a struggling Arizona State team that has lost two in a row. The Trojans are still only one game behind Utah for the lead in the Pac-12 South and need to keep winning to keep pace.

Should Utah stumble, the Trojans can sweep in for the title. Let’s not forget the Trojans are the only team to beat Utah this year.

There is still plenty for the Trojans to play for. Despite this being a road game, look for the Trojans to return to their winning ways as they are a much better team than the Ducks made them out to be.

Jason Reed (9-7): 38-35, USC

The USC football team has been the ultimate case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and after losing last week in embarrassing fashion, the Trojans are actually primed for a big game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on the road.

I think this game goes into overtime, hence the large score, with the USC football team eventually getting the job done with a game-winning field goal.