USC football schedule: Game-by-game predictions for 2020

USC football vs. Arizona

If Arizona is going to challenge anyone this season, it’ll be by outscoring them.

The Wildcats have a bright prospect at quarterback in Grant Gunnell, who USC fans will remember as the passer who took over for Khalil Tate in last year’s victory over Arizona. He certainly came in an provided a bit of a spark with 196 yards and two touchdowns, even if he didn’t change the outcome of the blowout.

Gunnell will have some talent to work within the receiving corps but no J.J. Taylor to take the pressure off from the running back spot.

Nor will he have much support on the defensive side of the ball. The Wildcats gave up 35.8 points per game to their opponents last year and they lost their best defender, Colin Schooler, to a transfer.

Prediction: USC 44, Arizona 27

There’s just nothing about these Wildcats that strikes fear. Gunnel may have talent, but so did Tate, once upon a time. There isn’t enough firepower there to overcome a defense that won’t be any better this time around.

Last year, Kedon Slovis and company put up 41 points on the Wildcats. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be expected to put up 40 again.