GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: USC’s strength in past years, its running game, is a weakness, as the Trojans rank No. 10 in the Pac-12, averaging 116.9 yards a game on the ground. ASU’s run defense is not stifling, allowing 157.3 yards a game, which ranks No. 8 in the Pac-12. A key will be if the Sun Devils can subdue the Trojans’ running game and force true freshman quarterback JT Daniels to throw the ball. Daniels has thrown a league-high seven interceptions.
DRAFT SLANT
–WR N’Keal Harry, projected to be a first-round draft selection, led the Sun Devils with eight receptions for 91 yards against Stanford last week.
ROSTER REPORT:
–S Dasmond Tautalatasi injured his elbow in the win over Michigan State in early September while making an interception. He has not played in the last five games. His status for this week’s game against USC is questionable.
–LB Jay Jay Wilson has missed the last three games with an ankle injury. His status for Saturday’s game against Stanford is questionable.
–LB Koron Crump is no longer with the team after deciding to concentrate on becoming 100 percent healthy in preparation for ASU’s pro day next spring, according to multiple reports. He received a sixth-year of eligibility ahead of this season after suffering an ACL tear in his left knee on Sept. 16, 2017, against Texas Tech. At the time, he was leading the Pac-12 in sacks.
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