Arizona State unable to upset Caleb Williams and USC

The Arizona State Sun Devils lost 42-28 to USC, despite attempting various trick plays and a strong rushing attack.

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils experienced a disappointing loss against USC at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday, falling short of their upset dreams with a final score of 42-28.

Despite the loss, the Sun Devils showcased their determination and creativity throughout the game. Head coach Kenny Dillingham emphasized the team's attacking mindset, stating that in order to defeat formidable opponents like USC, they must be aggressive and fearless. The Sun Devils pulled out all the stops, executing trick plays such as running back passes on fourth downs, double reverses, and even an unsuccessful surprise onside kick.

Arizona State's offensive strategy involved a heavy reliance on the passing game, with quarterback Drew Pyne attempting 39 passes and making multiple deep throws down the field. Pyne finished the game with 221 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Despite their efforts, the Sun Devils were unable to secure the victory.

However, there were moments of brilliance for Arizona State. Running back Cam Skattebo provided a highlight reel play, receiving a ball on fourth down, tiptoeing near the sideline, and evading two defenders for a touchdown. This impressive display of skill gave the Sun Devils hope, as they trailed by just seven points with under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately, USC quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback with a three-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. The Trojans' offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, proved to be a formidable force. Despite the Sun Devils' defense containing Williams to some extent, limiting big plays and keeping him in the pocket, he still managed to rack up 322 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 26 rushing yards with two scores.

ASU's defense struggled to contain USC's rushing attack, as the Trojans ran for 235 yards on 29 carries, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry. This proved to be a significant factor in USC's victory.

Despite the loss, Arizona State showed improvements in their rushing game compared to previous weeks. The team gained 136 rushing yards on 32 carries, demonstrating a more aggressive approach. Skattebo praised the team's commitment to running the ball and their belief that they could find success against USC's defense.

Throughout the game, the Sun Devils received support from their passionate home crowd during the sold-out Maroon Monsoon. Both Skattebo and Dillingham acknowledged the impact of the atmosphere and emphasized the importance of building a competitive home-field advantage.

The game also featured notable connections to the Arizona Cardinals. General manager Monti Ossenfort was present at the game, potentially scouting USC quarterback Caleb Williams and other players for the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury made his return to a football sideline in Arizona, serving as an offensive assistant for USC.

Overall, while the Sun Devils fell short of their upset dreams, they showcased their determination, creativity, and improvement in various aspects of the game. The team will continue to work hard and learn from this experience as they strive to build a competitive program and achieve success in the future.