It is Homecoming week! Our sports staff gave their predictions for Saturday’s football game vs. USC at Arizona Stadium.
Ryan Wohl: USC 41, Arizona 31
This is the start of the hardest three-game stretch for the Arizona football team of the season. They have to play No.10 USC at home and then, in back-to-back weeks travel, face No.14 University of Utah and No.12 UCLA on the road. Being at home during Homecoming Weekend will give the Wildcats a boost by their fanbase but will be in for a difficult test against a USC Trojan team, who is coming off a one-point loss to Utah two weeks ago.
USC is favored by 15.5 points, and I believe that is way too big of a number for Arizona because they are at home. If Jayden De Laura can play a clean football game with no turnovers, I think the Wildcats can be feisty and test the Trojans in this game.
Nathaniel Levin: USC 45, Arizona 27
The Arizona football team is hosting No.10 USC this weekend. Arizona is looking to snap its nine-game losing streak against USC, dating back to 2012. Arizona has been led by a strong offense this season, but their defense has been very lackluster, allowing over 450 yards a game. The Arizona defense will have its hands full against USC head coach Lincoln Riley’s offense led by University of Oklahoma transfer Caleb Williams. However, on the other side of the ball, Arizona’s offense will be tested against a strong USC defense. Both teams were off last weekend so they will be well-rested in this matchup. However, I don’t think it will be close, with USC easily winning on the road.
Alex Poor: USC 45, Arizona 28
Arizona football has made leaps and bounds of progress as a program compared to a season ago, but still has a long way to go on the defensive side of the football. USC’s offense ranks 12th in points scored per game, averaging 40.4, while Arizona’s defense has let up 40+ points to three of their last four opponents. Jayden de Laura and the offense will keep pace, but unless the defense forces some turnovers, USC will get the win over Arizona
Jason Dayee: USC 48, Arizona 28
My prediction for the game of Arizona vs. USC is that Arizona will fall to 3-5 on the season facing their third straight loss against the Trojans at home. USC currently sits in second place in the PAC-12 but is tied for the best record in the division.
While Arizona remains in ninth in the conference, the Wildcats will look to bounce back in their Homecoming game at home. Arizona played much better offensively last week against the University of Washington, but their defense continued to struggle. USC has just come off their bye week, but the week before had a shootout against Utah that came down to the wire.
The Trojans were unable to close out the game, but it is no secret that they have one of the best offenses in the nation behind their star quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Lincoln Riley.
I believe in this game, Arizona will have to be able to score a lot if they want to have any kind of chance. Luckily they have the firepower to do so. I see Arizona keeping pace with USC for a half. Then their defense will begin to let up quick scoring plays, and Arizona will begin to fall behind because USC adjusts. The game will get blown open late into the third and heading into the fourth quarter.
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