The Arizona State Sun Devils begin their Pac-12 schedule against the USC Trojans in a game that could have a role in determining their postseason fate. Due to penalties incurred following the Reggie Bush scandal, No. 23-ranked USC isn't eligible to play in the postseason, which could clear a path for Arizona State to represent the South division in the Pac-12 championship.
First, though, the Sun Devils will have to get past Matt Barkley and the Trojans. USC is 3-0 after narrowly beating Minnesota in its opener, and also knocking off Utah and Syracuse. Barkley, a likely top pick in next year's NFL Draft, has played very well so far, completing 69 percent of his passes while throwing nine touchdowns and only being picked off once. He threw for 329 yards and five touchdowns against the Orange.
The Sun Devils beat UC-Davis in their opener, then knocked off Missouri in overtime before suffering a three-point loss to Illinois. Like USC, they feature a strong passing attack, led by Brock Osweiler, who is averaging 8.46 yards per attempt this season. He threw two interceptions against Illinois, however, and the Sun Devils made a number of key penalties against the Illini as well. The Sun Devils are far from a perfect team, but they may have a slight edge against the Trojans, based on their performance against Missouri and the fact that they'll be playing at home. This will be USC's first road game this season.
Game date, time: 10:15 pm ET, Saturday, September 24
Location: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
TV channel: ESPN/ESPN3
Spread: Arizona State favored by 3
For more news and discussion, check out SB Nation's USC blog, Conquest Chronicles, and its Arizona State blog, House Of Sparky. Also, stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub.