LOS ANGELES — Behind 301 yards and three touchdowns from quarterback Matt Barkley, USC leads Arizona 27-12 at halftime.
Through two quarters Barkley has completed 22-of-26 passes including an 82-yard score to sophomore wideout Robert Woods on USC’s first drive of the game.
Woods, who came into the game second in the NCAA in receptions, has nine catches for 187 yards and a touchdown. Arizona quarterback Nick Foles, on the other hand, threw an interception on on Arizona’s second and third drive, both of which were picked off by safety TJ McDonald in Trojans territory. Before the first interception Foles went 210 straight passes without being picked off.
USC kicker Andre Heidari drilled a 46-yarder on the Trojans’ second drive of the first quarter to give the Trojans a 10-0 lead. After Foles threw his second pick on the following drive, Barkley hit receiver Marqise Lee for a 38-yard touchdown to give USC a 17-0 lead. Arizona has been outscored 55-3 in its last four first quarters.
The Wildcats eventually showed signs of life, however, thanks to a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by a Taimie Tutogi 4-yard touchdown catch to open the second quarter. Place kicker Alex Zendejas missed the extra point, his 10th career miss.
USC answered with a 73-yard scoring drive of its own as Barkley found Xavier Grimble in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. The Wildcats found the end zone for the second straight drive, however, as Ka’Deem Carey took a screen pass 27 yards for the score — his first career touchdown.
Arizona running back Keola Antolin, 10 carries for 73 yards, set up the touchdown with two carries for 33 yards on the drive. Zendejas’ extra point was blocked, however, keeping UA at 12 points and giving him 11 career missed PATs, nine of which have been blocked.
USC threatened on the final drive of the half getting down to the 12, but the Trojans settled for a field goal and 15-point lead. Foles finished the half 14-of-22 for 144 yards, two scores and two interceptions. Arizona has limited USC running back Marc Tyler to 13 yards on seven carries.
USC will receive the ball to open the second half.
