GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: An inexperienced Arizona offensive line was battered in its first two outings against BYU and Houston. However, coach Kevin Sumlin said the return of Layth Friekh provided the catalyst for vastly improved play up front in a Week 3 blowout of Southern Utah, and the Wildcats line paved the way for a 284-yard rushing effort from running back J.J. Taylor in Week 4.
USC’s run defense comes into Arizona allowing 5 yards per carry and just shy of 180 yards per game. While the Trojans primarily saw a bevy of passes from Washington State’s air-raid offense, the Cougars got rushing touchdowns both Jamal Williams and Max Borghi.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Cameron Smith is and has been USC’s best run-stopper for the entirety of his four years in the program. The veteran middle linebacker is likely to be used to spy Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate on any potential zone-read plays.
ROSTER REPORT:
–DT Malik Dorton is questionable for Week 5 with a knee injury.
–CB Isaiah Langley is questionable due to a groin injury.
–LB Palaie Gaoteote is questionable with a knee injury.
–S Bubba Bolden’s suspension has not yet been lifted. He’s likely to miss his fifth game.
–S Isaiah Pola-Mao had surgery on his injured shoulder last week, ending his season.
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