USC vs. Arizona: First look at the Trojans

What’s coming to Tucson on Saturday from L.A.?

The last two weeks did not result as planned, but the good news is the Arizona Wildcats return home this Saturday. Still searching for their first conference win, UA will host the USC Trojans. This will be the first day game for the Wildcats this season. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM Arizona time.

Clay Helton’s squad has gotten back to a .500 record after holding off Colorado at home. They will arrive in Tucson with momentum and a chance for a winning record.

2016 Record – 3-3 (2-2)

Key Games – Week one loss vs. Alabama (52-6), Week three loss vs. Stanford (27-10), Week four loss at Utah (31-27), Week five win vs. ASU (41-20), Week six win vs. (21) Colorado (21-17)

Key Offensive Players – Sam Darnold (QB), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Justin Davis (RB), Ronald Jones II (RB), Zach Banner (OT)

Key Defensive Players – Adoree Jackson (CB), Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (DT), Michael Hutchings (LB), Cameron Smith (LB)

USC has had an interesting season thus far. Former five-star recruit, Max Browne, started the season as the Trojans’ quarterback. After three mediocre starts, Helton decided to change things up and go with Sam Darnold as the team was in desperate need of a spark. His style has absolutely rejuvenated USC.

They blew a week four showdown in Salt Lake City where they gave away a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. Since that game, they have won two consecutive conference games and currently sit in the thick of things in the South with a 2-2 Pac-12 record.

Arguably the nation’s best wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, has been the biggest beneficiary of the QB change. Over the last two games, he has registered 12 catches for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, it’s probable that his upward trend in production will continue in Tucson. Last season, he had a monster game against UA when he tallied eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown.

Justin Davis’ production also appears to be trending upwards. He averaged only 3.6 yards an attempt over the first three games versus 9 yards an attempt through the last three. However, his status for Saturday’s game is uncertain as he suffered a high ankle sprain.

His backup, Ronald Jones II, is not having as productive of a season but has lethal potential. You may remember Jones’ performance last year against the Cats in the Coliseum when he ripped off 177 yards on 19 attempts.

This will be another must-win game for the Trojans as they continue to improve from their initial 0-2 conference mark. As for the Wildcats, the contest is equally significant as they try to notch their first conference win in 2016. Defensive coordinator Marcel Yates will most certainly have his hands full with defending the talented USC offense.

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