Sun Devil offense presents challenge for USC
The Trojans went about their normal Wednesday practice routine ahead of their first game against a Pac-12 South rival. The team will look to remain unbeaten at home when it faces the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday.
Hayes of glory · Senior linebacker Hayes Pullard and the Trojans are ready to put last year’s blowout loss to Arizona State behind them. Pullard is tied for second on the team with 26 total tackles so far this season. – Mariya Dondonyan | Daily Trojan
Defense First
The Trojans struggled against Boston College’s dynamic offense three weeks ago, a similar attack to that of the Sun Devils. That being said, a lot of attention was focused on the defense at practice on Wednesday and how it would deal with the Sun Devils’ potential explosiveness.
The main difference in USC’s defensive strategy is the official change of sophomore Su’a Cravens from safety to linebacker. While it gives the Trojans a new look on that side of the ball, it seems to suit their needs on the field.
“The plan wasn’t to change my position; it was more just to fit where they needed me,” Cravens said. “I like being close to the ball. I like to make plays.”
Freshman defensive back Adoree’ Jackson did not seem worried about Arizona State’s offensive weapons and said he is looking forward to the challenge that the Sun Devils’ multi-scheme spread offense poses for the USC defense.
“This will be the biggest game because it’s our next game,” Jackson said. “I’m excited because it throws everything at us and gets to show off our versatility as a defense.”
Head coach Steve Sarkisian also stressed the importance of defense after the practice. He liked the focus and mindset of the team heading into this crucial game, but he gave a vote of confidence to his defensive players.
“To be plus-seven for us in the turnover margin is huge and will continue to be huge to our success,” Sarkisian said. “We have to trust our techniques, trust our fundamentals and at the moment of truth, we have to make the plays.”
No Repeat
The last time the Trojans faced the Sun Devils, they endured a rough defeat that eventually turned their season around. USC is not looking to meet a similar fate with its game this weekend, and some players are even using last season as motivation to get the victory.
“We have to make sure we’re prepared so it doesn’t happen again,” junior defensive end Leonard Williams said. “It’s going to be like a revenge game.”
Williams went on to describe how much the team has evolved since the tough loss last year.
“We’ve grown a lot,” he said. “When you have that trust grown on a team, it’s easier to play for each other.”
Senior linebacker Hayes Pullard agreed that the game is going to be tough but said that he does not think about last year’s matchup because USC is a totally new team.
“We always bring our lunch pail for the Pac-12 game,” Pullard said. “We’re competing for the championship every single day.”
Even though Sarkisian was not on the coaching staff last season, he noted last year’s defeat and hopes that it motivates his players to be better this time around.
“Hopefully it factors into our pride,” Sarkisian said. “It affects our preparation in the fact that it shouldn’t happen again.”
Injury Update
Most of practice had a positive vibe and an encouraging outlook for the rest of the week; however, there was one negative that emerged from the field on Wednesday.
Freshman wide receiver Ajene Harris suffered a strained hamstring that pulled him out of practice for the rest of the day. Coaches said they were unsure of the severity of the injury but were hopeful that he would be able to make a quick recovery and return to the field.
Without Harris, the Trojans now turn to redshirt freshman wide receiver Steven Mitchell, who gained more practice reps after the unfortunate injury to his teammate.
“When [Mitchell]’s at full speed, he’s a dynamic athlete,” Sarkisian said.
The first-year coach also said other players will have to step up to fill the void as well, but mentioned junior wide receiver Nelson Agholor’s flexibility to move around on offense as a main reason he is not too concerned.
“We always have the flexibility of moving Nelson [Agholor] around,” Sarkisian said. “[Mitchell] is really good, its just about developing confidence in him.”
.