SB Nation Arizona - Arizona State vs. USC: Sun Devils blow second half leadhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-11-12T10:40:58-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33717732012-11-12T10:40:58-07:002012-11-12T10:40:58-07:00Devils and Wildcats even in Pac-12 South standings
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>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.</p> <p>Both of the Arizona programs are neck and neck in the South with the Wildcats and Sun Devils both owning a 3-4 record in the Pac-12.</p>
<p>While ASU has been busy choking away their Pac-12 Championship aspirations with four straight losses, the Wildcats have quietly won three of their last four and now stand at 6-4 overall.</p>
<p>Both teams have easy matchups next week with Arizona paying a visit to Utah and Arizona State set to host Washington State, but the tie will be settled in the final game of the season when these two teams meet in Tucson.</p>
<p>Dating back to 2004, these squads have split the Duel in the Desert with a 4-4 record. If the recent pattern has anything to do with this year's outcome though, the Devils could be in line for the win with the road team being victorious in the previous three matchups.</p>
<p>Below are the complete Pac-12 standings:</p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget conference_standings clearfix">
<h3>Pacific-12 Conference Standings</h3>
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<p class="updated">(updated 11.11.2012 at 12:27 AM MST)</p>
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<table class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table" cellspacing="0">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th>North</th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a></td>
<td>7</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
<td class="td-last">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a></td>
<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>8</td>
<td class="td-last">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-st-beavers">Oregon St. Beavers</a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/california-golden-bears">California Golden Bears</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>2</td>
<td class="td-last">8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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<table class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table" cellspacing="0">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th>South</th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8</td>
<td class="td-last">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td class="td-last">9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/12/3635878/pac-12-football-standings-2012Cody Ulm2012-11-11T18:26:36-07:002012-11-11T18:26:36-07:00Sun Devil offense struggles in 38-17 loss to USC
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<p>It was another frustrating week for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a>, as they lost their fourth in a row -- a 38-17 road loss to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a>. The game was tied at 14 at the half, but ASU was able to muster only a field goal thereafter, while USC's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38256/curtis-mcneal" class="sbn-auto-link">Curtis McNeal</a> 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.</p>
<p>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, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houseofsparky.com/2012/11/11/3630040/asu-vs-usc-trojans-game-grades-marqise-lee">that drew House of Sparky's ire as it handed out grades for the game</a>:</p>
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<p>Offensive Line: D-</p>
<p>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.</p>
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<p>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.'</p>
<p>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.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/11/3633224/usc-arizona-state-2012-reactionDavid Piper2012-11-10T16:29:18-07:002012-11-10T16:29:18-07:00Arizona State vs. USC final: Sun Devils lose 38-17
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> 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.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Barkley</a> threw three interceptions in the first three quarters, one of which was taken back for a touchdown by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112765/alden-darby" class="sbn-auto-link">Alden Darby</a> to give ASU a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.</p>
<p>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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee" class="sbn-auto-link">Marqise Lee</a> to start the game and set up the Sun Devils' first touchdown.</p>
<p>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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38256/curtis-mcneal" class="sbn-auto-link">Curtis McNeal</a>, and USC took a comfortable 28-17 lead to the fourth.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero: </b>McNeal took the throne from Lee by rushing for 163 yards and two scores. He also added a 22-yard touchdown catch.</p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications: </b>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.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover? </b>USC's dominant second half allowed them to cover, as they were favored by 10.5.</p>
<p><b>Next Week's Schedule: </b>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.</p>
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<p>This story was<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/11/10/3628734/usc-arizona-state-2012-score-results"> originally published on SB Nation.com</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/10/3628846/arizona-state-vs-usc-final-sun-devils-lose-38-17Craig Powers2012-11-10T15:37:53-07:002012-11-10T15:37:53-07:00ASU fall behind, 28-17, after 3rd quarter
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<p>The Arizona State Sun Devils trail the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a>, 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.</p>
<p>Arizona State's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112775/carl-bradford" class="sbn-auto-link">Carl Bradford</a> made a spectacular play to start the third, knocking down a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Barkley</a> 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.</p>
<p>All 17 of Arizona State's points have come off of USC turnovers.</p>
<p>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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38256/curtis-mcneal" class="sbn-auto-link">Curtis McNeal</a>.</p>
<p>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.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/10/3628656/arizona-state-usc-score-updateCraig Powers2012-11-10T13:55:56-07:002012-11-10T13:55:56-07:00Sun Devils knotted with Trojans at 7 after 1st
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<p>The Arizona State Sun Devils are tied, 7-7, with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> after one quarter of play in Los Angeles.</p>
<p>ASU is looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak to become bowl eligible, and they got off to a hot start.</p>
<p>The Sun Devils got the scoring started with 10:51 left in the first quarter. Wide receiver Chris Coyle got behind the defense and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112766/taylor-kelly">Taylor Kelly</a> 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.</p>
<p>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. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> hit the receiver on an 80-yard touchdown for USC's first points of the day.</p>
<p>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.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/10/3628202/arizona-state-usc-score-updateCraig Powers2012-11-10T10:37:09-07:002012-11-10T10:37:09-07:00Ronnie Lott previews this weekend's ASU/USC game
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<figcaption>Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>One of the best safeties of all time spoke with <a href="http://houseofsparky.com" target="new">House of Sparky</a> this week to break down ASU's game with USC.</p> <p>Few players who have ever suited up on Sundays have been better than Ronnie Lott. The man some refer to as the best safety in professional football history, Lott has remained involved in the football world for years following his retirement.</p>
<p>SB Nation's Arizona State blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houseofsparky.com/2012/11/7/3611230/asu-sun-devils-vs-usc-trojans-football-preview-ronnie-lott">House of Sparky, recently interviewed Lott and asked him a couple of questions</a> for this weekend's game against USC. Lott was an All-American with the Trojans and now serves as an analyst for the Pac-12 Network. In order for the Sun Devils to pull the upset for the second year in a row, they'll need to replicate the pace they played at last season, says Lott:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Anytime you play at home, in my mind, that starts as an advantage. It starts with USC finding a way to do what they do best, and that is to strike when they can, but also protecting the football. If they are able to do that, they'll have a shot at winning this game. But by no means is this a gimme. Arizona State beat them last year, and I believe that Arizona State feels like they can come into this game, and if they can keep up the pace the way that they are capable of doing, that they have a shot at winning this football game."</p>
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<p>It will be interesting to see if the Devils can finally break through against a quality opponent. ASU beat up on a weak schedule in the first half of the year, and now they've been exposed by a couple of good teams. A win today would go a long way in securing a strong bowl bid next month.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3627506/asu-usc-ronnie-lottScott Coleman2012-11-10T10:22:15-07:002012-11-10T10:22:15-07:00Opponent Q&A: Devils' D needs to pressure USC
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>SB Nation's ASU and USC bloggers get together to preview Saturday's noon showdown as the Sun Devils look to hand USC its fourth loss of the season.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a> head to Los Angeles on Saturday where they will face a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> team that is looking to bounce back from a loss to Oregon. The Sun Devils are trying to get themselves back on track after losing their last three games.</p>
<p>The Trojans will be looking for a measure of revenge after ASU beat them a year ago in Tempe.</p>
<p>USC is 6-3 on the season and 4-3 in conference, putting them just behind UCLA in the Pac-12 South standings. ASU is close behind at 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the Pac-12.</p>
<p>In preparation for the crucial Pac-12 South matchup, SB Nation's ASU blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houseofsparky.com/">House of Sparky</a>, spoke with USC blog <a target="_blank" href="http://ConquestChronicles.com">Conquest Chronicles</a> about topics ranging from why the Trojans have underperformed to what the Sun Devils need to do to slow down Heisman candidate <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee" class="sbn-auto-link">Marqise Lee</a>.</p>
<p>When asked about how the ASU defense should attempt to slow down a USC offense that averages 36 points per game, Conquest Chronicles wrote:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Put lots of pressure on [Matt] Barkley and force him to move around in the pocket, and get the ball out earlier than he'd like. If you think your offense is that much better, you can also take the Oregon route and just try to outscore them, too. But for the Sun Devils, the likelihood is applying pressure on the senior signal caller and flustering him just enough to where he will make a mistake eventually.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The game is scheduled to kick off at noon PT from the Coliseum in Los Angeles. Pac-12 Networks will televise the game.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/10/3627422/asu-vs-usc-footballJohn.Wilkinson2012-11-09T13:34:32-07:002012-11-09T13:34:32-07:00Will Sutton recovered as Sun Devils prep for USC
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>The defensive tackle should be at full strength in Los Angeles this week as the Sun Devils face USC.</p> <p>Arizona State Sun Devils defensive tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77518/will-sutton" class="sbn-auto-link">Will Sutton</a> had good news to report this week. Sutton <a href="http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/11/07/12/Sutton-expects-to-be-100-percent-for-USC/landing_sundevils.html?blockID=816245&feedID=4347" target="_blank">expects to be 100 percent healthy</a> as Arizona State takes on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> in Los Angeles on Saturday.</p>
<p>Sutton went down with a bone bruise in his right knee on the second play of the Sun Devils' Oct. 18th game against Oregon. The 6'2, 271-pound tackle reported Wednesday that he doesn't have much pain in the knee, which is good news for the Devils as they face <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Barkley</a> and the capable USC offense. The Trojans rank 25th in the country with 465 yards of offense per game.</p>
<p>After missing one full game with the injury, Sutton did play on Nov. 3 against Oregon State. While he played at about 70 or 80 percent, according to head coach Todd Graham, he still forced a fumble that was returned by Junior Onyeali for a touchdown.</p>
<p>In seven full games this season, Sutton has recorded 42 tackles, including six sacks, with five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.</p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2012/11/9/3624026/asu-sun-devils-will-sutton-injury-ncaa-bcs-pac12Brett Hein