USC vs. ASU: Countdown to Kickoff

Sep 5, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils football team prepares to take the field behind a photograph of former player Pat Tillman (42) in the Tillman Tunnel before the game against the Sacramento State Hornets at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Sports

The Trojans open their Pac-12 road schedule with a trip to Tempe to face the Arizona State Sun Devils. After seemingly righting the ship against Boston College, the USC offense struggled to find a rhythm against Utah State. This week they face an Arizona State defense that gave up 30 points to Wisconsin and 42 points to Stanford. On the other side of the ball, the defense hasn’t let up an inch this season and successfully shut down Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton. They will be on the attack with the idea of doing the same to Arizona State’s Taylor Kelly.

With the game just hours away, here’s some numbers of note with your countdown to kick off:

10

Number of penalties Arizona State has accrued through three games this season. The Trojans had 10 against Boston College alone and are averaging 7.5 flags per game.

9

Tre Madden’s national rank for rushing. Madden has 450 yards with an average of 5.06 yards per carry.

8

Arizona State’s national rank in passing offense. The Sun Devils have averaged 361 passing yards per game. Taylor Kelly has also thrown eight touchdowns this season.

7

Number of turnovers USC has forced this season. However, all seven were forced early in the season. The Trojans have failed to force a turnover in two consecutive games for the first time since November 2011.

6

Number of USC losses in the series that have come in Tempe. The Trojans are 18-10 all time versus the Sun Devils.

5

Marion Grice’s national rank for rushing touchdowns. The ASU running back has six on the year.

4

Number of Trojans players who hail from Arizona — OLB Devon Kennard of Desert Vista HS, COG Cyrus Hobbi of Saguaro HS, SNP Peter McBride of Chaparral HS and S John Auran of Brophy College Prep.

3

USC’s national rank in rushing defense. The Trojans are allowing just 59 yards on the ground per game.

2

USC’s national rank in tackles for loss. Lead by Leonard Williams with six, the Trojans have 38 tackles behind the line this season for an average of 9.5 per game.

1

USC’s national rank in red zone defense. Neither Hawaii nor Boston College managed to find the red zone against the Trojans while Utah State’s two touchdowns were the only scores USC has allowed in the red zone in five attempts. The Sun Devils have made 15 trips into the end zone this season and scored in 12.