Pac-12 Football Standings 2012: Wildcats, Sun Devils in virtual tie

With the Devils dropping four straight and the Wildcats turning their season around, the major college football teams in Arizona are now tied in the Pac-12 South.

Arizona State vs. USC 2012: Sun Devil offense struggles in 38-17 loss to USC

It was another frustrating week for the Arizona St. Sun Devils, as they lost their fourth in a row -- a 38-17 road loss to the USC Trojans. The game was tied at 14 at the half, but ASU was able to muster only a field goal thereafter, while USC's Curtis McNeal would score three touchdowns by himself. The loss drops the Sun Devils to 5-5, needing a win over either Washington St. or Arizona to earn bowl eligibility.

While the defense gave up 38 points, it also forced five turnovers. Instead, it was the anemic offense, which had only 250 yards against a USC defense that set all-time records for ineptitude the week before, that drew House of Sparky's ire as it handed out grades for the game:

Offensive Line: D-

One of the major reasons the offense has been stagnant for most of the last two weeks has been the play of the offensive line. On Saturday, the Sun Devils surrendered season-highs in sacks (seven) and tackles-for-loss (11), and nearly evaded several more in each category. The line has struggled mightily in both run blocking and pass protection, and the 71 yards rushing (a paltry 2.0 yards per-carry), speaks to the struggles of the unit's poor play.

The offensive line may have earned the lowest grade from House of Sparky, but the rest of the offense wasn't far behind, with the quarterbacks and wide receivers earning 'D' grades, and the running backs getting an 'incomplete.'

The Sun Devils face Washington State next Saturday in Tempe, looking to snap their four-game losing streak, and avenge last season's loss to the Cougars in Pullman.

Arizona State vs. USC final: Sun Devils lose 38-17

The USC Trojans handed the Arizona State Sun Devils their fourth consecutive loss with a 38-17 win Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles. ASU held the lead as late as midway through the third quarter, but the Trojans' defense clamped down as the offense kicked into gear to pull out in front.

Matt Barkley threw three interceptions in the first three quarters, one of which was taken back for a touchdown by Alden Darby to give ASU a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.

USC's ability to come back after mistakes was the story of the day. The Trojans turned the ball over three times in total, including a fumble by Marqise Lee to start the game and set up the Sun Devils' first touchdown.

After ASU took the lead in the third quarter, 17-14, following Barkley's third interception, the Trojans began to take over. Two consecutive drives ended in scores from running back Curtis McNeal, and USC took a comfortable 28-17 lead to the fourth.

Arizona State couldn't do much on offense to close the game, and USC snapped its two-game losing streak to keep hopes of a Rose Bowl trip alive.

Box Score Hero: McNeal took the throne from Lee by rushing for 163 yards and two scores. He also added a 22-yard touchdown catch.

Rankings Ramifications: No. 19 USC would have surely fallen out of the rankings with a loss, but they now have a chance to move up with a win.

But Did They Cover? USC's dominant second half allowed them to cover, as they were favored by 10.5.

Next Week's Schedule: USC visits rival UCLA with a trip to the Pac-12 Championship game on the line. ASU will look to end its losing streak against Washington State.

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This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

Arizona State Vs. USC score update: Trojans lead 28-17 after 3rd

The Arizona State Sun Devils trail the USC Trojans, 28-17, after three quarters of play Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles. ASU has been able to take advantage of USC mistakes to stay within striking distance, but the Trojans took over in the last half of the third quarter.

Arizona State's Carl Bradford made a spectacular play to start the third, knocking down a Matt Barkley pass and grabbing the ball himself for the interception. The Sun Devils would move down the field after the turnover before stalling inside the 10. ASU was forced to settle for a field goal.

All 17 of Arizona State's points have come off of USC turnovers.

The Trojans came back to capture the lead for the first time on the ensuing possession. A nine-play, 59-yard drive was finished by a 5-yard touchdown run from Curtis McNeal.

A failed fourth-and-1 attempt may prove to be the death blow as the Sun Devils gave the ball back to the Trojans at midfield with just more than four minutes to go in the quarter. USC would face their own fourth-and-1 just minutes later, and convert on their way to another touchdown.

Arizona State vs. USC score update: Sun Devils tied 7-7 with Trojans

The Arizona State Sun Devils are tied, 7-7, with the USC Trojans after one quarter of play in Los Angeles.

ASU is looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak to become bowl eligible, and they got off to a hot start.

The Sun Devils got the scoring started with 10:51 left in the first quarter. Wide receiver Chris Coyle got behind the defense and Taylor Kelly hit him with a 31-yard touchdown strike. That capped a five-play, 38-yard drive that followed a fumble by USC wideout Marqise Lee. The star would make up for the mistake a few drives later.

USC's offense struggled to move the ball in its first three drives, but got a quick strike from Lee to tie the game last in the quarter. Matt Barkley hit the receiver on an 80-yard touchdown for USC's first points of the day.

Things would get wild after that. ASU fumbled the ensuing kickoff back to the Trojans. On the next play, ASU intercepted Barkley to get the ball back. The Sun Devils have the ball to start the second quarter.

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