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USC Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Arizona in Week 10

By Connor Muldowney

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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USC football will host a suddenly-hot Arizona team on Saturday evening and here’s what you need to know about the matchup.

Saturday night’s USC versus Arizona game may not have had much luster before the season, but the Trojans are still looking to win the Pac-12 and the Wildcats have been the surprise team of the league. Played in Los Angeles Saturday evening, this one could be as wild as any ‘Pac-12 After Dark’ game this year.

The Trojans have been under-performing by their standards this season, starting off just 7-2 and ranked No. 17 after beginning the year in the top 10. Sam Darnold hasn’t been quite dominant, passing for 2,558 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 picks. Turnovers have been an issue. Ronald Jones II has been solid, rushing for 888 yards and 10 scores.

As for Arizona, the recent hype surrounding Rich Rodriguez’s program has been possible because of the play of sophomore quarterback Khalil Tate. He has been a constant Pac-12 Player of the Week award winner, passing for 784 yards and six scores while rushing for an eye-popping 926 yards and eight scores.

The Wildcats average over 330 yards per game on the ground which could be an issue for USC’s average run defense. Could Tate have yet another breakout performance?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s USC vs. Arizona game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 10:45 p.m. ET
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Darnold will need to be on his game and protect the ball. There’s no way the Trojans will be able to keep up if they can’t hold onto the ball — so no picks from Darnold. He needs to look like the player who was considered a No. 1 overall pick. Defensively, containing Tate is top priority. There is no more crucial key to victory than keeping Tate under 100 yards rushing.

For Arizona, the name of the game will be rushing Darnold. The USC quarterback has been shaky this season under pressure and for that to continue, the Wildcats need to send blitz packages and make him uncomfortable all night. On offense, just ride the Tate train. Obviously it’s been working, so keep allowing him to run the ball, but let him take some shots down the field to catch USC off guard as well. He has the arm.

Next: Latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft entering Week 10

Prediction

While Arizona is the hottest team in a struggling Pac-12 right now, I just think USC will be too much for that Wildcat defense to handle on the road. The Wildcats will rely too much on Khalil Tate and the Trojans will be able to overcome the breakout star’s 100-yard rushing day. Darnold will pass for over 300 yards and the Trojans will have a nice offensive showing, gaining momentum from that Notre Dame drubbing a couple weeks ago.

Final Score: Arizona 24, USC 34

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