Looking Ahead to Arizona

Despite the lack of tangible rewards for winning, Lane Kiffin has found a way to motivate his team each and every week. Can USC keep the intensity up and pull off the upset this week? Some links…

ESPN Pac-10 Blogger Ted Miller:

"Ted Miller of Saturday’s contest. provides a video preview Despite the ominous tone of Miller’s preview, . Mark Schlabach picks USC for his upset special of the week What to watch for: : Arizona QB   didn’t play badly at Stanford. He just wasn’t himself. Part of that was more than a handful of dropped passes, a couple on key third-down plays. But Foles probably shook off all the rust at Stanford due to missing two games with a dislocated knee cap, and another week of practice also should have helped him recover his rhythm for USC’s visit. Foles doesn’t have to look over his shoulder at backup  , who played well in two starts while Foles was out, because Scott is out indefinitely with a wrist injury. A key for the Wildcats getting back on track — and getting the “Zona Zoo” into the game — is the offense clicking early against the Trojans.  Foles back in sync Nick Foles Matt Scott : Arizona was the best pass rushing team in the Pac-10 before Stanford didn’t allow a sack last weekend. USC doesn’t allow many sacks, either. But Wildcats defensive ends Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed, who have combined for 13.5 sacks, should be plenty motivated to get back on the sack track. And they probably need to if Arizona is going to beat USC. While Trojans QB   wasn’t great in the win over Arizona State last weekend, he’s still one of the nation’s most talented and efficient passers. If he has time, he will pick apart a Wildcats secondary that has proven surprisingly vulnerable.  Barkley vs. Reed, Elmore Matt Barkley Quick Preview: .: Arizona will try to get back on track after the tough loss at Stanford. USC is riding high after a clutch win over Arizona State. The Wildcats are playing for bowl positioning. The Trojans are playing for pride.  USC (6-3, 3-3) at No. 18 Arizona (7-2, 4-2), ABC, 8 p.m Prediction: : The toughest pick of the week, but the Wildcats are tough in front of the ‘Zona Zoo, and USC hasn’t truly faced a boisterous road crowd this year.  Arizona 31, USC 28"

The Los Angeles Times:

Lane Kiffin arrived at USC with much fanfare and scrutiny. Despite the microscope, he has managed to keep a low profile in his first nine games.

The Cam Newton story is the major headline throughout college football these days. Lane Kiffin says the Heisman hopeful never asked for money. 

In Pete Carroll’s final home game at the LA Coliseum, the Arizona Wildcats spoiled the day for USC. Nick Foles takes aim at a repeat.

The OC Register:

USC won’t be going bowling in 2010 (or 2011 for that matter), but their play still affects the bowl picture. The December 4 contest at the Rose Bowl could decided whether or not UCLA goes bowling. 

The Trojan defensive line has failed to provide a consistent pass rush throughout the season. Part of that problem lies with Armond Armstead, who hasn’t quite lived up to Kiffin’s billing. 

USC’s offense sputtered against Arizona State. Barkley struggled and threw two interceptions while playing a mediocre game. However, the team will get a huge boost if freshman sensation Robert Woods returns to full strength this weekend. 

Juron Criner, Arizona’s top wide out, is poised to have a big game Saturday given the deficiencies in the USC pass defense. The Trojans are aware of his ability, and figure to put Shareece Wright on him.

Pete Carroll began his USC tenure 28-0 in the month of November. Kiffin is off to a 1-0 start, and hopes to parlay the win over Arizona State into even more wins.