USC Football: 3 takeaways from statement win over Arizona

By Dana Becker | Oct 20, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Starting quarterback Kedon Slovis #9 of the USC Trojans warms up before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. The defense provided a lift

Yes, Arizona had almost 400 total yards and 22 first downs, but the USC defense also forced three key turnovers that helped them put the game away.

As long as the Trojan defense is finding ways to intercept passes or force fumbles, the have the horsepower on offense to make up for other mistakes on that side of the field.

Especially when you take a closer look at the stats allowed by the Trojans, as much of it came with the game already decided. Khalil Tate had just 47 yards passing and was sacked six times before being replaced.

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The Wildcats did not score over the first three quarters of action and were behind 34-0 when they finally did crack the goose-egg. This despite playing without three top cornerbacks, losing two defensive ends and a safety during the course of the night.

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