Talk about total domination. The ASU Sun Devils (4-4, 2-3 in Pac-10) walloped the Washington State Cougars (1-8, 0-6 in Pac-10) 42-0 in ASU’s Homecoming game last Saturday. ASU quarterback Steven Threet threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Most impressive of all was ASU’s defense, especially against the run. The Sun Devils held the Cougars to a net total of 8 yards rushing on 33 attempts.
ASU freshman Junior Oyeali was the star defender in this game, as the defensive end picked up four sacks, forced two fumbles and acquired four tackles. His production earned him the honor of being named Pac-10 defensive player of the week.
This weekend, the Sun Devils head to Los Angeles where they will face the USC Trojans (5-3, 2-3 in Pac-10) at the Coliseum. The good news, for the Sun Devils, is that they will be a confident bunch after shutting out the Cougars last Saturday. The bad news is that they’ve only won one out of four road games this season. And the Trojans are no pushovers when they play in the Coliseum.
“They’re one of the better teams in our league and it’s a challenge for us,” ASU head coach Dennis Erickson said in Monday’s press conference. “We are looking forward to playing them and it’s been at least ten years since we’ve beat them. More importantly we have to concentrate and try and get our fifth win.”
No question about it, USC will be fired up after losing last week at home to the mighty Oregon Ducks(8-0, 5-0 in Pac-10), 53-32. However, the Sun Devils will also be looking to prove themselves and break the losing streak to USC, which dates all the way back to 1999. Obviously, Erickson has that losing streak on his mind, so it’s likely that he’s put it in the players’ minds as well.
“We’ve got a lot of guys from Southern California and it’s an important game,” ASU quarterback Steven Threet said in Monday’s press conference. “We are four and four and it gives us an opportunity to continue to improve and keep moving forward with the season.”
If the Sun Devils are going to beat the Trojans, they have to expose their lackluster passing defense. USC has allowed the most passing yards per game (275.8) in the Pac-10 and that will be something Steven Threet will be well aware of. Threet is currently sitting atop the Pac-10 standings in most passing yards per game with an average of 268.
Judging by ASU’s play on the road so far this, things are likely to get ugly for the Sun Devils at the Coliseum on Saturday. Let’s hope ASU surprises us and the Trojans.
